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DRAMATIC SERIES. 



THE 

ROMANTIC MELODRAMA 

. . . THE . . . 



••««• 



VOICE OF NATURE, 



PRODUCED 
IN FOUR HOTS. 



"Eft EXCITING ftp IflTElJESTIJlG PMY." 

Philadelphia Press, Nov. 13, 1900. 



Printed for Copyrigrit. 



AUTHOR; ;•; ;• 

Theodore KremerV 
owner; 8 *. :*" ;* 
Thomas E. 'Shea. "•• 







Class _Jfcl_.: 



THE VOICE Op HATU^E. 



CAST: 

Vladimir Tolstoi, ~) 

Count Andrey Modjeska, I Students of the University 

Baron Posta L,akanoffski, J of St. Petersburgh. 

Gregory Borski, J 

Karol Orloff, A Nihilist 

Minister of Police 

Duke Alexis *. 

Duchess Alexis 

Marie Alexis 

Madame Kramolin, an old Nurse 

Werra, a girl of the people 



SYNOPSIS. 

Act I. Vladimir's student quarters in the University. 

Act II. Same as Act First. Four months later. 

Act III. The Foyer and Grand Staircase in the Imper- 
ial Opera House in St. Petersburgh. A year later. 

Act IV. Vladimir's quarters. The next day. 



THE VOIGE OF fl'ATUHE 



Was especially written for Mr. Shea, by Mr. Theodore Kre- 
mer, of New York City. It was produced for the first time in 
Baltimore, Md., and made a decided hit. It is a strong, ro- 
mantic melo-drama, dealing with life among the Russian 
aristocrats and Nihilists. Vladimir, a young student, has 
been cared for and educated by the Duchess Alexis, who 
gives out to the world that he is the son of a former school- 
mate of hers. In reality he is her own son, by an early and 
secret marriage. Shortly after the birth of Vladimir, the 
father was falsely accused of Nihilism and sent to Siberia, 
where he died. After his death her father forced her to 
marry Duke Alexis, a General in the army, who really loved 
her, and who gladly aided Vladimir when the Duchess 
brought him to her home. Vladimir does not know that the 
Duchess is his mother, and is brought up with Marie, the 
only child of the Duke and Duchess, and falls in love with 
her. The mother tries to separate them, but without avail, 
as the father rather encourages the love affair. A certain 
Count Modjeska, a dissipated man, learns accidentally the 
secret of the Duchess, and being in love with Marie, forces 
the Duchess, by threatening a court scandal, to tell Vladimir 
that his mother died a common woman upon the scaffold. 
When Vladimir learns of this he joins the Nihilists and lights 
the fuse at the Opera House to blow the Russian aristocracy 
to atoms. As the fuse burns, the mother accidentally comes 
on and confesses, in a grand scene, on the stairway; a scene 
which is rarely equalled for dramatic strength and power. 
Vladimir decides to leave the country, but fortunately a laun- 
dress who had become a Baroness, confesses that Marie was 
not the real daughter, but a foundling that was substituted, 
the true Marie having been poisoned through the careless- 
ness of an old nurse. Count Modjeski, driven to desperation, 
resolves to betray the Duchess. He is locked in a room by 
Vladimir, and a duel is fought to gain possession of incrim- 
inating letters. The play never drags, the intense portions 
are relieved by laughable and consistent comedy, and the 
auditor is carried through a series of startling and thrilling 
climaxes. 



THE VOICE OF NATURE. 



ACT I. 



Student quaeters of Vladimir in the University. 
Time, Autumn. — Up r.c. a door in flat and the only entrance 
into room from below — J?oom supposed to be on top floor — at 
X,.£. a large bay-window over-looking domes and spires of the 
city — At l,. 3rd, door, leading into an inside room — At i,. 2nd, 
fireplace and mantel — Over r. 3rd, a door, supposed to lead 
into another small room or closet — This scene boxed and ceil- 
ing peice with chandelier f torn c. — Over r. near tormentor, a 
small dressing table, on which is hair bfush, comb and small 
hand glass — At wall r. 2nd, an old folding bed which is open 
at rise of curtain, but when closed, represents a supposed 
piano — Up back of bed, an easel, on it an artist's frame, 
which, later on, serves as top to an old trunk — Chair at easel 
and bag of peanuts on it — On wall r. and z,. of door r.c. two 
large pictures representing gay Ballet girls, on top of frame 
is a curtain shade arrangement, which, when pulled down 
with strings, will unroll a map which will cover the question- 
able pictures — Between door and window, a common chair — 
Large bay-window covered with very cheap curtains onpole-^ 
Old-fashioned arm chair in wi?idow and book in chair — At 1* 
3rd curtain pole above door but no curtains — Lock and key to 
door — Ln the inside room is an old, large box painted like a 
trunk, it must be large and high enough for a woman to hide 
in, and top and bottom must be out — on mantel at i,' 2nd, nail 
and toivel on it — u?ider towel an old chair, and on it a pail 
half full of water — on mantel small fancy photo with easel 
backing to represent Vladimir's mother — Small paper bag 
with three eggs — Half dozen knives and forks, three cups and 
saucers, shoe of Gregory, an alarm clock and one inside to 
ring, salt cellar and pepper box, empty wine bottle and emp- 
ty cigar box — At fireplace, an oil stove, lighted, on it a frying 
pan, back of stove an old chair, it is also left of an old kitchen 
table, on which is an old wash basin, tin dipper, large wooden 
spoon, empty cigar box and four empty bottles — At right of 
table old chair, and at right leg of table on floor a full bottle 
of wine — At c. an old hassoek, and r. of c. between hassock 
and folding bed a pile of books in two stacks about two feet 
high; on right stack, the upper book is the dynamite book. It 
is a red covered book and inside is hollowed and when opened 



6 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT I. 

the bomb is seen. On top of the tzuo stacks is a large book 
resting on end and it forms a pyramid. As curtain rises, 
Gregory is discovered sleeping on floor with hassock for 
pillow, his shoe beside him. Count Andrey Modjeska is in 
bed also asleep, and Baron Posta is sleeping at the foot, his 
left leg resting on the chest of the Count. Their apparel 
consists of shirt, trousers a?id stockings, the rest of their 
clothing distributed around the room — General air of pover- 
ty, as students have pawned all their possessions, the room is 
in chaos, twenty-five empty bottles around on floor also a few 
empty cigar boxes, showing that the occupants have had a 
night of dissipation. As curtain rises, alarm clock off stage 
L. 2E. r.'ngs — Music for rise, The Drinking Song. 

When curtain up, Gregory slowly awakes, sits up, 
stretches himself, slowly rises, looks over at clock, stretches 
himself again. 

GREGORY. 

Confound that alarm clock. The man who invented that 
ought to have been slaughtered. {Alarm clock stops, looks 
around room.) By jove! we must have had a devil of a time. 
(Sees Posta and Andrey on bed still sleeping — laughs.) 
Well! there's a picture for a young ladies seminary, (xs over 
to bed.) Come, come, wake up there, are you going to sleep 
all day? (xing over i,. — Business of tack in foot, limps 
across stage i,. to wash from pail.) 

ANDREY. 

(Stretching .) Oh! oh! I had a horrible dream. I dreamt 
that a monkey was on my chest. (Sees Posta's foot, which 
is on his chest.) No wonder I had the night mare. (Throws 
Posta 'sfoot off and Posta rolls out of bed on floor.) 

POSTA. 

(On floor.) What are you trying to do with my feet? 

ANDREY. 

(Silting on side of bed.) What were they doing on my 
chest? 

POSTA. 

I put them there. (Still on floor.) 

ANDREY. 

And I object having them under my nose, you understand? 
(Posta rises.) 



ACT I.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 



GREGORY. 

Oh! come, come, take a bath and cool your blood. (Over 
at bucket of water.) 

ANDREY. 

Hold on there, Gregory ! Don't be a pig and use all that 
water, (xs over to Gregory.) 

GREGORY. 
Are you afraid that I'll convert it into a mud puddle? 

ANDREY. 

I'll not take any chances. (He fills tin basin on table from 
bucket with a tin dipper and he and Gregory start washing 
with much noise, puffing arid splashing. Posta in the mean- 
time has gone up stage where his clothes are hanging on a 
chair near the easel, he observes a bag of nut shells on chair, 
he takes them up and comes down stage, takes up Gregory's 
shoe which is near the hassock at c. Posta hears the 
puffing and splashing of Gregory and Andrey.) 

POSTA. 

The menagerie taking a bath. (Pours nut shells into 
Gregory's shoe.) 

(Andrey kicks Gregory and turns around to wash as tho J 
someone else did it.) 

GREGORY. 

(To Andrey.) See here! If you do that again I'll turn 
you into a sausage. (Takes towel from mantel.) 

ANDREY. 

Hold on ! Half of that belongs to me. (Both wiping at 
same time.) 

POSTA. 

(Up at c. putting on coat.) Leave me a clean spot in the 
middle will you ? 

ANDREY. 
Oh ! Use your handkerchief. 



8 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT I. 

GREGORY. 

Where are my shoes ? 

ANDREY. 

There's one on the mantel, fool ! (xing over r. to a little 
table with his toilet articles on at r. ik.) 

POSTA. 

A night of dissipation has made us all exceedingly polite. 
{Putting on collar up c. Gregory has taken his shoe, sits at 
chair 1,. and puts it on.) 

ANDREY. 

Yes. (Combing his hair.) But where is Vladimir I won- 
der? 

POSTA. 

Where we ought to have been three hours ago, in the class 
room. (Up c.) 

ANDREY. 

Oh ! Yes, of course, he's a model young man. (POSTA xs 
over i<. near stove y Gregory xs over to c. and sits on hassock.) 

GREGORY. 

No sarcasm, please, Vladimir is all right. (Putting on 
shoe with nut shells in.) He's one of the best. (Stands on 
shoe.) Oh ! 

POSTA. 

What's the matter? (Over i,. at table.) 

GREGORY. 

(Takes off shoe, empties shells on floor.) Who put those nut 
shells in my shoe ? 

ANDREY. 

(Combing hair and brushing up.) Vladimir, I suppose. 

GREGORY. 

He's not such an idiot to play such stupid tricks, (c. Posta 
putting on his shoe. Over i,.) 



ACT I.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 



ANDREY. 

{Continuing toilet.) No! Great intellects like Vladimir's 
never stoop to such trifles. 

POSTA. 

Has Vladimir ever done anything to you? (Over i,. tying 
his shoe.) 

GREGORY. 

(Putting on his shoe.) Of course not. He never gives him 
credit for anything, Posta. 

ANDREY. 

Why should he deserve more credit ? 
POSTA. 

(Finds his shoe under table i,.) Because he has more, and 
we have been borrowing from it. 

ANDREY. 

(Making toilet) He'll not lose the money that he loaned 
me. Besides he should be thankful that we associate with 
him. A common fellow without a name. (Over r.) 

POSTA. 

(Over i,. tying shoe.) I would rather be born without a 
name and make one, then with one and disgrace it. 

ANDREY. 

What do you mean ? 

POSTA. 

Simply what I say. 

GREGORY. 

(C. fixing his collar.) You're right, Posta. Andrey should 
be the last to speak against Vladimir. When we were thrown 
out of our rooms — (Sitting on hassock tying shoe.) 

POSTA. 

Yes, because we could'nt pay our rent. (Over infixing his 
shoe.) 

GREGORY. 

He invited us to share his apartments. 



THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT I. 



ANDREY. 

Humph! Apartments. {Over at bed y arranging collar, 
necktie, etc.) 

POSTA. 

Well ! It's not what you would call luxurious, but you 
seem to forget that he pawned all his elegant furniture to pay 
one of your debts of honor. 

ANDREY. 

As soon as I get my allowance he'll get his money, and not 
before. 

POSTA. 

You better hurry up then, Vladimir needs it. It will be a 
month before he gets his money from the Duchess. 

ANDREY. 

The Duchess Alexis is very kind to this commoner. I'll 
bet there's something behind all this great generosity. 

POSTA. 

{Rising indignantly.) Iyook here, Count Modjeska, if you 
insinuate that it is of a base nature, I will clear that point. 
{xing c— Gregory goes up stage and puts on coat.) The 
Duchess Alexis and Vladimir's mother were very dear friends. 
After leaving school Vladimir's mother fell in love with a 
worthless fellow who deserted her and then the poor woman, 
died,after giving birth to Vladimir, and so the Duchess prom- 
ised to educate the boy. Now that's all there is to it. {Going 
back to i«.) 

ANDREY. 

And he repays his benefactress by making love to her 
daughter. A young lady of rank. 

POSTA. 

Pshaw ! What's rank? Here I am a Baron, and I haven't 
a single rouble. I have pawned all I had, and it's a pity that 
I can't pawn my title. I would if I could. {Sitting at table 
I..) 

ANDREY. 

Oh ! Nonsense ! I tell you one in Vladimir's position has 
no right to make love to Marie. 



ACT I.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 



GREGORY. 

{Comes doivn c.) And why not? Must he throw his affec- 
tions to the winds, because you happen to fancy her ? {Fix- 
ing his tie.) 

POSTA. 

Oh ! That's the idea, is it ? Take my advice, Andrey, Ma- 
rie loves Vladimir as much as he loves her, and you're only 
wasting your time. 

GREGORY. 

(c.) Yes, and for you to try to spoil his chances, would be 
contemptible. 

ANDREY. 

Hold on ! I have stood enough of your insults. {Rising at 

R.C.) 

GREGORY. 

I don't care, I mean every word, (c.) 

POSTA. 

Come, don't be idiots, this is no place to settle your quar- 
rel. {Rising l.c.) 

ANDREY. 

Then he's got to keep quiet, that's all. {Goes r. and sits 
on bed.) 

POSTA. 

For Heaven's sake, change the subject. Ivook ! See this 
shoe. {Shoe in right hand.) I will wager a rouble, which I 
haven't, against a rouble which neither of you have, {laugh- 
ingly) that with this shoe, I can scale the top book off that 
pile. Watch ! {Over at table i,. and is about to throw shoe.) 

ANDREY. 

Stop ! What are you doing ? {Rising quickly.) 

POSTA. 

What's the matter? {Excitedly — Gregory comes down c. 
also with great interest.) 

ANDREY. 
There's a dynamite bomb there. (R.c.) 



12 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT I. 

POSTA AND GREGORY, 

Where ? 

ANDREY. 

The dark red book. 

GREGORY. 

(c.) Who brought it here ? {Suppressed.) 

ANDREY. 

I did, last night, (r.c.) 

POSTA. 

You promised to deliver that to the Brotherhood. (i,.c. 
Gregory goes up to c. door, locks it.) 

ANDREY. 

I thought I was followed so I brought it in here. 

POSTA. 

That was wrong. You know that Vladimir is not one of 
us, that he is against Nihilism. (Gregory at door r.c. list- 
ening.) 

ANDREY. 

Oh ! I can't consult him on everything. Besides it's here 
and we must make the most of it. 

GREGORY. 

Is it one of the new ones ? {Comes down c.) 

ANDREY. 

Yes, the most powerful ever manufactured. {Kneeling 
down beside books, takes up the book, slowly opens it and 
bomb can be seen in center of book.) 

POSTA. 

It's a miracle we weren't blown to pieces. 

ANDREY. 

No fear of that. I had my eye on it. Besides you have to 
jar it first, then it takes half a minute to unwind and ex- 
plode. 

VLADIMIR. 

(Outside laughing.) It's all right, never mind, I'll call 
them. 



ACT I.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 13 

POSTA. 

It's Vladimir, get it out of the way. (Gregory starts for 
it.) 

ANDREY. 

Never mind I It's safe here, when I go, I'll take it. (Re- 
place it among the other books.) 

VLADIMIR. 

[Outside, knocking at door c.) What! ho there! what 
ho! (Gregory unlocks door.) 

GREGORY e.c— POSTA 1,.— ANDREY r. 

What ho ! yourself, there ! What ho ! (E?iter Vladimir 
c.) 

VLADIMIR. 
{Salutes.) Good morning, boys, 

ALL. 
{Salute.) Good morning. 

POSTA. 
What report from the class room ? {Over I,.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Three black marks, (c.) 

POSTA. 

For the three gentlemen of leisure. (PosTa e. Gregory 
E.c. Vladimir c. Andrey r.) 

VLADIMIR. 
I set the alarm for eleven, did you hear it? 

GREGORY. 
Did we hear it ? Why it spoiled a beautiful dream of mine. 

POSTA. 

And mine also. I dreamt I was a trapeze performer, I 
made a startling leap through the air, and as I reached to 
grasp the bars at the other side of the ring, I felt a shock and 
awoke to find myself tumbling head over heels out of bed. 
{Laughs.) 



THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT I. 



VLADIMIR. 

Ah ! that's too bad. Have you had any breakfast? (xing 
overly, back of table.) 

POSTA. 

Breakfast ! We don't know what it means, (xing to c. 
and sits on hassock.) 

GREGORY. 
Not even a bite. (Up c. at door.) 
VLADIMIR. 

Ah, that's too bad. (Over t,.) You mustn't starve in my 
quarters. (Takes bag of eggs from mantle-piece.) Well, 
boys, what will you have ? Eggs, or — eggs ? (Holding up bag 
with s eggs in it.) 

POSTA. 

(Sitting on hassock c. swinging empty bottle.) Oh ! We've 
had nothing but eggs for the last two weeks, it's enough to 
turn a fellow into a chicken. (Throws an old cigar box up 
back, it nearly strikes Gregory, who makes a start for him.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Come, come, boys, eggs or nothing. (Over i«. of table. 
Posta hassock c. Gregory up c. Andrey over r. still ar- 
ranging toilet.) 

POSTA. 



GREGORY. 
ANDREY. 



All right. 
Eggs! 

Oh! anything! 

VLADIMIR. 
How would you like to have your egg, Count? 

ANDREY. 
Fried. 

VLADIMIR. 

All right. (Breaks egg in pan.) Fried you are. And you 
Gregory? 

GREGORY. 
Boiled. (Up c. on chair disgusted.) Hard! 



ACT L] * THE VOICE OF NATURE. 15 



VLADIMIR. 

All right! but — (In doubt — sees pail of water, takes it, is 
about to put it 071 stove — reconsiders — puts it down.) All 
right, we'll accomodate you. {Breaks egg in same pan.) 
Boiled, hard. And you Posta? 

POSTA. 

Oh! I'll have mine hatched. {Sitting on hassock, swinging 
empty bottle.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Hatched! I don't know about that. However I'll try to 
oblige even you. (Same business with egg, which is bad.) 
Your wish is gratified, there's the chicken. {All laugh.) By 
the way, boys, I am expecting shortly the Duke and Duchess 
Alexis from France. ( JViping his hands on towel, back of 
stove 1,.) 

ANDREY. 

Isn't there some one else you're expecting? {Over r.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Oh,* yes indeed, an important personage to my mind. 

POSTA. 

( With bottle in hand.) Yes, and if this bottle were only 
full, I would drink to the health of this important person- 
age, for she is worthy it, and I don't blame you for loving 
Marie. 

VLADIMIR, 

I acknowledge it, boys, I love Marie and what's more I'm 
proud of it. {Striking heroic attitude with an old tin dippet.) 

GREGORY. 

• That's the way to talk. A frank confession is good for 
the soul, (up c.) 

POSTA. 

If I had a girl like Marie, I would marry her right away. 
(Rising.) 

VLADIMIR. 

What, you ? (Sitting at stove watching eggs.) 

POSTA. 

Why not ? I'll be a papa one of these days. (Fondles wine 
bottle in arms like a baby.) 



16 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT I. 

VLADIMIR. 

You're quite an expert. 

POSTA. 

Expert ! Why, I'm an authority. I'm writing a new book 
now on the proper care of babies, {stroking bottle — all laugh 
— Up to this time the three students can take plenty of time 
dressing.) Look! {Very dramatically.) Did you ever see 
such carelessness {pointing to bottle at leg of table.) 

VDADIMIR. 

{Rising.) What's the matter? {Others excited also.) 

ANDREY. 

What's up? 

POSTA. 

A full bottle of wine. (Vladimir thinking its a bottle on 
table grabs it, Post a makes a dive for bottle on floor ; gets it 
before Gregory who also makes a rush for it, they both 
struggle for bottle, Posta retains it, breaks away from 
Gregory, strikes a picture in c. with bottle in hand.) Saved ! 
from the wreck. {All laugh.) Vladimir will you join us? 

VDADIMIR. 

Yes, I'll take a cup. 

POSTA. 

Cup ! Well, that's all you'll get. {He xs over to table ati<. 
also Gregory and Andrey and they all take cups that are 
on table and Posta fills them — all the cups are used — after 
filling them.) Hold on there, where is my cup? (Vladimir 
offers him large tin dipper.) 

GREGORY. 

Oh ! You drink out of the bottle. 

ANDREY. 

Here's to wine, women and song. (POSTA drinks out of 
bottle, Gregory strikes him on back and Posta chokes.) 

GREGORY. 

Come, Posta, give us a song. 

ANDREY. 

Yes, by all means give us a song. 



ACT I.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 17 

VLADIMIR. 

Yes, a good idea, a soug. 

POSTA. 

Hold on now, and don't get excited, business first and then 
pleasure. Vladimir, fry those eggs, and Gregory — whose 
turn is it to make the bed? (c.) 

GREGORY. 

(l.c.) It's mine. 

ANDREY. 

(r.c.) No, it's not, it's mine. 

GREGORY. 

I tell you I am going to make that bed. 

ANDREY. 

No you won't, I am going to do it. {Ad lib quarrel kept 
up.) 

POSTA. 

Hold on. Stop ! stop ! I say. See here, if you fellows 
don't stop your quarreling, I will make the bed myself. 

GREGORY. 

It's my turn and I am going to do it. (iy.C.) 

POSTA. 

Shut up, will you. I will settle that dispute. Both of you 
can make it. ( They both start for bed, as they get over to 
bed, Posta with empty wine bottle in hand gets c. on top of 
hassock, as if striking cord.) Ta ta. {All join in singing.) 

"The festive day has come 
And brightly beams the morning, 

The sun peeps o'er the hills, 
The festal day adorning." etc. 
{Or any lively college song.) 

(Posta beating time with empty bottle. Vladimir put- 
ting pepper and salt on eggs and beating time on stove with 
tin dipper. Andrey and Gregory making bed, keeping 
time to the music.) 

{Minister of Police enters near the end of verse, takes in the 

situation.) 



1 8 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT I. 

MINISTER. 

Gentlemen ! Gentlemen ! Stop ! Stop ! I say ! Stop ! 
(They stop singing, and the Minister comes down r.c.) 

POSTA. 

By whose authority ? (r.c.) 

MINISTER. 

The Minister of Police. (Pause — all astonished.) Who 
answers to the name of Vladimir Tolstoi? (Posta retires up 
stage. Andrby over r. also Gregory.) 

VLADIMIR. 

That's my name. (Rising from chair, at stove and going c.) 

MINISTER. 

We were annonymously informed that you have a dynamite 
bomb concealed in your rooms. 

VLADIMIR. 

A dynamite bomb. (Laughing.) Why, the accusation is 
absurd, false. 

(Posta i,.c — V^amimir c. — Minister r.c. — Gregory up 
r.c. — Andrey extreme r.) 

MINISTER. 

That remains to be proven. (Points to room i,.) What's 
in there ? 

VLADIMIR. 

Empty bottles and cigar boxes and an old trunk. 

POSTA. 

Perfectly harmless, I assure you, and will bear the minutest 
inspection. This way. (Leads the Minister to the doot i,. 
opens it, and the Minister goes in ahead, as he exits, Posta 
gives signs to the others, as if to take the bomb away, and then 
exits, Vladimir notices actions of Post a.) 

VLADIMIR. 
What does he mean ? (at c.) 

ANDREY. 
There is a bomb here ! (Over r.) 

VLADIMIR. 
Where ? 



ACT L] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 19 

ANDREY. 
The dark red book. 

GREGORY. 
I told you not to bring it here. {Going down r.) 

VLADIMIR. 
Quiet! {Re-enter Minister and Posta.) Well. 

MINISTER. 

Everything is all right in there. {He xs down near stove — 
knocks on the table — looks for drawers in it.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Permit me to assist you. {xing to table) 

MINISTER. 

No, thank you. {xs over to c. stops, looks in direction of 
closet up r. at 3rd E.) Is that another room? 

VLADIMIR. 
Merely a closet, that is all. 

MINISTER. 

An excellent place to hide a bomb. {Opens closet door as 
he gets out of sight. Gregory starts for bomb to take it — 
Vladimir strikes table with dipper. Gregory retreats up 
stage r. and Minister comes out of closet looks at bed, shakes it 
up and down — Vladimir occasionally strikes dipper on table, 
so as to make first sound unimportant, as tho* done carelessly) 

VLADIMIR. 

Merely a folding bed, that's all. (Minister examining it.) 

GREGORY. 

{He shakes bed up and down.) Yes, that's all, merely a 
folding bed. No dynamite bombs here. 

MINISTER. 

Umph! evidently not. ( Walks over to the books, carefully 
looks them over, then takes up the top one, glances through the 
pages.) Latin! {Throws book on the floor r. in disgust, then 
after hesitation, takes top book offt,. side of pile, looks at it.) 
Greek! (Throws that down, then takes up the dark red book, 



20 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT I. 

which is the bomb— looks at it — reads on back — "Life of Alex- 
ander the Great." The last time I shall ever pay attention 
to an anonymous letter. Damn it! {Raises book in right hand, 
is about to throw it on floor, Andrey, Gregory and Posta, 
start away, as if toward door—) 

VLADIMIR. 

Hold on! stop! (Minister with book in hand f instantly 
lowers his hand without throwing book.) I beg your pardon, 
but that book I prize, it was a birthday present from the 
Duchess Alexis. 

MINISTER. 

Oh! I beg your pardon, {xs over c. to Vladimir returns hint 
the book.) Gentlemen, I am delighted to say that the report 
was untrue, {xsup to door c. turns.) I will not trouble you 
again, good morning. {Exit r. c.d. As Minister exits 
Posta starts same old song, and they all join in the singing, so 
as to throw Minister completely off guard — about the time 
that the Minister would be down the stairs — Vladimir in- 
terrupts song — Posta goes up to CD. and exits, giving impres- 
sion that he has gone to watch the Minister.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Count Modjeski! — {Song stops.) Why did you abuse my 
confidence by bringing a dynamite bomb into my room? 
{Bomb in Vladimir's hand.) 

ANDREY. 

I intended to take it away this morning, I apologize. 

VLADIMIR. 
So, then my three companions are Nihilists? (l.c.) 

GREGORY. 

{Up r. c.) Yes, we are. We are determined to rid the 
world of this hateful Czar. (Vladimir down L-) 

VLADIMIR. 

( Turns.) Leave that to a higher power. For the present 
I'll take care of this bomb. {Going to door l.) 

ANDREY. 

{Over extreme r.) I will want that bomb when I go. 

VLADIMIR. 

{Up L- in direction of door l. 3E.) Not this one, no damage 
will ever come from this bomb. {He exits door l. 3E.) 



ACT I.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 21 

ANDREY. 

(Crosses over c. talking off to Vladimir.) I shall insist on 
taking that with nie. 

GREGORY. 

(at his R.) You were a fool to have brought it here. 

ANDREY. 

( Turns on him.) That's my business. I will be answer- 
able to the Brotherhood, not you. The up-start. (Andrey 
xs down extreme r. Gregory up r. c. — re-e7iter Post a c.) 

POSTA. 

I tell you, boys, that was a lucky escape. Where is Vladi- 
mir.'' 

GREGORY. 

(With nod of head.) Inside there. 

POSTA. 

Vladimir, here is a letter for you. (at c.) 

VLADIMIR, 

(Re-enters.) For me? (Takes it.) Why, it's from the 
Duchess, (xs down t,. sits on chair r. of table and opens 
envelope.) 

POSTA. 

Why, certainly, that's an answer to my invitation to come 
here and spend a few days. 

VLADIMIR. 

(Reads.) My dear Vladimir, we will arrive in St. Peters- 
burg Thursday at noon. 

GREGORY. 

(Up r.c.) It's near that time now. 

POSTA. 
(c.) Yes, why, to-day is Thursday. 
VLADIMIR. 

(Looking at envelope.) This letter must have been de- 
layed. (Reads.) Before going to our Palace, we will call on 
you and inspect your new apartments, which as you wrote, 
must be very elegant. (All laugh but Vladimir.) Here's a 
nice fix, what's to be done. (Rising and going x,.) 



22 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT I. 

GREGORY. 

Keep them down stairs in the reception room, (r.c.) 

POSTA. 

There in the hands of the painters and decorators you 
idiot. (i,.c.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Oh, if we could borrow some furniture. {Back of stove.) 

POSTA. 

Let's fake some. I have seen it done in dozens of French 
farces. 

VLADIMIR. 

This is not a farce, it's a stern reality. {Empty bottle in 
hand.) Look at the eggs. 

POSTA. 

Very well then, invite the Duchess in and let her fry the 
eggs. 

VLADIMIR. 

Oh ! We must do something. Let's clear the room. (Vlad- 
imir cleans everything off table i,. The rest snatch up bottles 
and cigar boxes and throw them into room i,. Gregory and 
AndrEy fix the bed and fold it up, great confusion — in the 
midst : of this, Werra enters door in flat with a large basket 
of laundry on each arm — she remains at c. a 'moment in 
amazement and then bursts out laughing .) 

WERRA. 

What's this! A Lunatic Asylum? Well, I swear, that' s 
the first time I ever saw you fellows work. {They pay no at- 
tention to her, but continue to fix up the room — PosTA, im- 
mediately after Werra enters exits into room z,.) What's 
the matter ? ( They keep right on zuorking.) Say, if you fel- 
lows can't answer, you can't get your laundry, you under- 
stand? (Posta comes out from the room zvith a lafge box or 
trunk, with the ends out.) 

POSTA. 

{As he enters.) This will do for a table. {He bumps into 
Werra and the basket which contains the ladies' laundry 
falls on the floor at c.) 



ACT I.] THE VOICE OE NATURE. 23 

WERRA. 

Oh, you have ruined my washing. {Backing c.) 
VLADIMIR. 

(Sees curtains, which are on top of the washing.) Curtains ! 
Werra, the angels from Heaven couldn't be more welcome. 
(He snatches up the 2 curtains, jumps on chair and fixes one 
curtain over door i^. 3rd K. which has a pole already on it.) 

WERRA. 

Here, hold on there. That's Madame Wassilies washing. 

VLADIMIR. 

(On chair.) She'll have to wait. 

WERRA. 

But she'll kill me. (Posta who had placed the trunk over 
r.c. goes back to the laundry basket, which is on the floor, 
looks into it, takes out a white petticoat, with white frills on 
it, holds it up in front of himself and makes a few ballet 
kicks.) 

POSTA. 

I say, boys, look at this. (Ballet business here.) 

WERRA. 

(Turns to Posta.) Here ! Here ! That's Madame Wassilies' 
favorite petticoat. 

POSTA. 

Is it? Well, she's fond of frills. (Holding it up.) 

GREGORY. 

( Who has gone up back of Posta, looks into basket, takes 
another petticoat out and holds it up.) More frills ! 

WERRA. 

I'll not stand this any longer. I'll call the police. (Goes 
up to window.) Police ! Police! 

VLADIMIR. 

Don't be silly ! We'll pay you for everything. ( Jumps 
from chair, makes curtain do for a table cloth for table 1,.) 

ANDREY. 

Of course we will. (He goes up to basket.) 



24 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT I. 

GREGORY. 

You needn't worry. 

POSTA. 

No, we've plenty of time. (Vladimir goes over to basket, 
takes out a ladies' night robe.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Here are a few more frills. 

WERRA. 

Oh, if Madame Wassilie was here she would poison me. 
(Andrey also takes petticoat out.) 

ANDREY. 

Isn't this a beauty? (xs down r. Posta up at basket, 
pulls out a red stocking.) 

POSTA. 
Look, boys, look, w T hat do you think of this? (Holds it up, 
Vladimir takes night robe and decorates mantel?) 
POSTA. 

Here, decorate the mantel with this, (throws stocking to 
VivADiMiER, which he places on mantel nearest audience.) 

GREGORY. 

This old trunk must serve as a table. 

ANDREY. 

It has no top. 

POvSTA. 

(Takes artists board from the easel.) Here, this will do. 
(places it on top of trunk — Gregory places his laundry to 
decorate top of trunk — Andrey places his, on pile of books, 
andfixjs small table over r. — Vladimir arranges table and 
mantel over y. — Werra up back, defiant, with basket on arm.) 

POSTA. 

Is that our laundry? (Points to other basket which she has 
on her arm.) 

WERRA. 

Yes, but you'll not get a stitch, until you pay me all 
you owe me. (Noise of carriage wheels outside off~R. 3E.) 



ACT I.] THE VOICE OP NATURE. 25 

ANDREY. 

It's the Duke's carriage. (Over r.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Here, Werra, you get out of here. (PoSTA throws the basket 
which is on the floor into room z,. locks the door and puts key 
into pocket.) Audrey, you go down stairs and detain them as 
long as possible. (Andrey exits c. Vladimir places 
mother's picture on table.) 

POSTA. 

(C.) You had better go yourself, perhaps you can persuade 
them not to come up at all. 

VLADIMIR. 

Good idea. (Wkrka sitting on steps at window — Vladimir 
rushes up to exit c. sees pictures of ballet girls) For Heaven's 
sake change those pictures. Exits c. (Grkgory and Posta 
rush up stage and pull strings on pictures, showing two 
large maps. Werra rises as they do this and goes down 1,.) 

WERRA. 

Oh, that's down right wicked. 

GREGORY. 

(Over k.) Now you get out of here. (Posta looks off door 
c) 

WERRA. 

Not an inch until I get my money and Madame Wassilie's 
petticoats. 

POSTA. 

You can come back after the Duchess is gone, (c.) 

WERRA. 

(Down i,. in front of table) I won't stir one inch. 

GREGORY. 

(Over r.) If you don't, we'll throw you out. 

WERRA. 

You will ? Try it ! try it if you dare ! (holding up her arm 
to shoiv her muscle.) I haven't worked at the wash tub for 
nothing. 



26 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT I. 



POST A. 

(At c.) They are coming, Werra, get in, or you will ruin 
us all. Get in there, (xing over l. to door.) 

GREGORY. 

No — not there, in here. The trunk ! 

WERRA. 

(Over l.) What, in that thing? No sirree ! 

POSTA. 

(Comes to c.) Do, Werra, do, please. If you do, you needn't 
work in the laundry any more. We will get you a position 
here in the University taking care of rooms. 

WERRA. 
And I needn't scrub, nor take any more turns at the tub? 

POSTA. 
You'll lead a life of perfect ease if you'll only get in. 

WERRA. 

All right! (She xs over to r.c. Posta and Gregory 
hold up the trunk — she gets under, they place it over her — 
her head sticks out through the top.) Well, boys, I'm in it ! 
(Posta at her l,. Gregory at her r.) 

POSTA. 

Don't let Vladimir or any one else know you're in there, 
you understand. Stay there till Gregory or I take you out. 

WERRA. 

All right, but I'll keep my eye on you fellows, I'm not go- 
ing to lose my money nor Madame Wassilie's nighties. 

POSTA. 

(At CD.) They are coming, get down, quick. (Gregory 
puts cover on and he and Posta drape it.) Now, Werra don't 
make a sound. 

WERRA. 

Say, what did you do with her stocking ? (Lifts cover show- 
ing head.) 



ACT I.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 27 



POSTA. 

Never mind. (Gregory and Posta push her down and 
place cover over her again.) Keep quiet ! We will let you 
know when they have gone. {Voices heard outside laugh- 
ing. Gregory xs over u. arid then enter the Duchess, Ma- 
rie, Madam, Duke, Andrey and Vladimir. ) 



POSTA. 

ichess, per 
mir's sanctum. 



{Over :l.) Duchess, permit me to welcome you to Vladi- 

nir's «flTiptntn 



DUCHESS. 

{Bows.) This room is very odd. {Looking around — comes 
down t,. of trunk.) 

MARIE. 

Immaculately clean, this drapery, (r. of trunk looking at 
petticoat on trunk — Madam up r. talking with Andrey — 
the Duke xs over 1,. shakes hands with Gregory and slowly 
works down toward mantel, taking in everything, as he 
slowly moves do7vn, he discovers the red stocking on mantel, 
takes them off, hiding them by his left side — Vladimir up c. 
with Posta — Madam talking with Gregory.) 

DUCHESS. 

These drapings are very unique. {Handling drapery on 
top of trunk.) 

MARIE. 

Yes, the frills are a decided novelty. 

DUCHESS. 

{To Vladimir.) Where did you purchase these frills? 

VLADIMIR. 

{Coming down c. confused.) Oh, we purchased them 
from — from — 

POSTA. 
(L.c.) Why, we had them imported from — China. 



28 THE VOICE OE NATURE. [ACT I. 



DUCHESS. 

Erom China? (Posta goes over z,. — Vladimir talks with 
Duchess, as if trying to explain matters.) 

DUKE. 

{Over at mantel z,. as Posta goes down z,.) Posta, come 
here. (Posta goes to him.) I don't think these came from 
China. (Duke; laughs, and puts red stocking into his pocket, 
and retires up back laughing — Posta expostulating with 
him.) 

DUCHESS. 

Vladimir, I am sorry to say this room is a dissapointment 
to me. 

MARIE. 

A disappointment! I should say it was, a great disappoint- 
ment. {Over r. with Andrey.) 

DUCHESS. 

{Sees picture on table l.) Why, Vladimir, whose picture is 
that? {xing over to it, and taking it up.) 

VLADIMIR. 

(c.) Why, that is the picture of my mother. 

DUCHESS. 

{Surprised?) Your mother! Why, my boy, you have never 
seen her. (Madame; drops down z,.) 

VLADIMIR. 

True! but that is the idealized face of the woman your grace 
has so often pictured to me. 

DUCHESS. 

Your imagination has painted a wonderful likeness. Do 
you not think so, Madam? {Showing it to Madam, who by 
this time is down z,. of table — Andrey the moment picture is 
mentioned xs over z,. quietly.) 

MADAM. 
{Looks at it, and statts — Andrey observes movement.) 



ACT I.] THE VOICE OE NATURE. 29 



DUCHESS. 

My boy, it was the Voice of Nature that guided your hand. 
{Gives him back the picture.) 

ANDREY. 

{Between Duchkss and Vladimir.) I think it resembles 
your Grace a little. 

DUCHESS. 

You think so? 

VLADIMIR. 

Why should it not, but for the Duchess, I would have been 
an outcast, {to Duchkss.J And since your Grace approves 
of the picture, I shall value it as highly as I honor my 
mother's memory. 

DUCHESS. 

{With surprised emotion.) Do so, and she will always 
guard you. (Andrey retreats a trifle back, but observes 
closely everything relating to this picture incident — Duchess 
retires up c. talks with Duke.) 

MARIE. 

Isn't the key board of this piano unusually high? {Over r. 
looking at imitation board of piano on folding bed.) 

DUCHESS. 

{Turning, coming down c.) Is it the one I bought you? 

VLADIMIR. 

Yes, yes, it's the same one — it's quite new. {.ring over I,. 
Posta 1,. of table.) 

DUCHESS. 

(c.) What's the matter Vladimir, you seem nervous ? Are 
you ill ? 

VLADIMIR. 

No, no, I am quite well. Quite well? {aside to Posta.) 
For Heaven's sake get rid of them. (Duke; in the meantime 
has retired up back he is quite sure that something is wrong, 
and watches the .boys closely — Vladimir unobserved, puts 
frying pan under table.) 



3 o THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT I. 

POSTA. 

{xing over to Duchess.) Ladies, I propose that you in- 
spect the University Conservatory. They are very interest- 
ing. 

VLADIMIR. 

{Over l.) An excellent idea, excellent ! 

POSTA. 

We have the finest collection of grass there in all the 
world. 

DUKE. 

{Comes dozvn l. of Posta.) Grass ! {Gives him a nudge, 
gives him quiet laugh and retires up stage.) 

ANDREY. 

{Comes down r. of Duchess extends his arm.) May I have 
the honor, Duchess ? {She takes his arm and exits c. chat- 
ting — Duke up l. watching the whole proceeding .) 

GREGORY. 

{Up stage.) Madam Kramolin, will you permit me? {She 
accepts his arm.) 

MADAM. 

With pleasure. {They exit. Vladimir who is over l. 
starts for c. same time that Marie ^/arfo — Vladimir is about 
to offer his arm to Marie, when Posta steps in between.) 

POSTA. 

{Laughing.) Your're not half smart enough. 

MARIE. 

You forget, I have more than one arm. {Takes Posta's 
arm, swings around and takes Vladimir's — Marie has 
Vladimir on her r. and Posta on her l- as they go up c, 
the Duke steps down, taps Vladimir on the shoulder.) 

DUKE. 

Vladimir, I wish to speak to you. (Vladimir bows to 
excuse himself to Marie — Marie turns}) 



ACT I.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 31 



MARIE, 

Be brief, papa, don't keep him long, (exits with Posta — 
VIvAdimir goes down r.c, Duke i,.c.) 

DUKE. 

My boy. I have received letters from your Professors full 
of praise. Now, then, after you leave the University, I want 
you to enter the Army and make a name for yourself. 

VLADIMIR. 

I can never repay the Duchess and you for all your kind- 
ness. 

DUKE. 

Tut, tut, don't mention it. You are the son of my wife's 
dearest friend who died under unfortunate circumstances, 
and it was our pleasure, yes, and our duty, to care for you as 
if you were our own. Now, if there is anything that you 
may wish to ask from me, name it, and if it stands in my 
power, it will be yours. 

VLADIMIR. 

Well, I — I have one favor to ask, but really it is so great, 
I hardly dare to ask it. 

DUKE. 
Oh ! I understand, an increase in your allowance, eh ? 

VLADIMIR, 
No, no it's not that. 

DUKE. 

Not that ! Oh ! Then it must be Marie > Is it ? Come 
come, speak out. 

VLADIMIR. 

Well, yes, it is Marie. 

DUKE. 

I thought so. I have had my eye on you both, you love her, 
and you wish my consent to pay your addresses. Well, if she 
doesn't object it's all right, {gives his hand) but, my boy, no 
thought of marriage for at least — well, say three years. 

VLADIMIR. 

Three years ! Well, of course we can wait, {xing r, lean* 
ing on back of trunk.) 



32 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT I. 



DUKE. 

Certainly, time flies, and in trie meantime you can sow your 
wild oats, 'eh? {Laughing.) 

VLADIMIR. 

I don't understand your meaning. {Surprised.) 

DUKE. 

No-o ! Well, I am a man of the world, you know, but you 
mustn't carry too far these — {pulling from pocket the 
stocking that he had taken off the mantel) frivolties. Come 
now, tell me, is the wearer pretty ? 

VLADIMIR. 
Oh ! why, I can easily explain that. 

DUKE. 

You rascal, I never thought that of you. {Enter Marie 
door r.c. ~Dmzn puts stocking in his pocket and goes to l.) 

MARIE. 

May I come in ? 

DUKE. 

Certainly. I leave this rogue in your charge, {xing to c) 
Read him a lecture. He deserves it Marie. {Up at c. whis- 
pers in Marie's ear, she xs down L. with her back turned to 
Duke — Vladimir afraid Duke has told Marie — snaps his 
fingers at Duke.) It's all right, Vladimir. {Goes to door, 
shows stocking and exits laughing.) 

MARIE. 

( Turns.) Why, he seems exceedingly good natured^ what 
has happened ? 

VLADIMIR. 

{After Duke exits, runs up to door closes it.) Nothing, 
that is — Marie, I have good news for you, {dozvn- c.) your 
father has given his consent to our marriage. 
MARIE. 

He has ? Oh, I am so glad ! {Embraces Vladimir who 
swings her around to the r.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Yes, I never expected it. But he makes one condition 
however, that we must wait three years. 



ACT I.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 33 

MARIE. 

Good gracious ! Three years ! 

VLADIMIR. 

Yes, that's all, oh ! it's all right. Your father says, time 
flies. (He goes l. of table, Marie; over at chair r. of table.) 

MARIE. 

Three years ; I'm awfully disappointed ! (Sits in chair r. 
of table in disgust.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Marie, are you sure that you really love me ? (l. of table.) 

MARIE. 
Why, the idea, you know I do. 

VLADIMIR. 

Marie, this is the happiest moment — (takes her hand, is 
about to kiss her, Wrrra raises lid of trunk, and she stands 
in view, head out of trunk, lid raised with both hands, then 
with shake of the head to Vladimir as if to get her out of 
there. Vladimir sut prised, unaware of Werra being there, 
makes gestures to Werra, as if to get down out of sight — 
Marie's back is turned to Werra, and she is completely 
mystified by the actions of Vladimir. Werra makes angry 
signs in the negative.) 

MARIE. 

Why, Vladimir, what's the matter? 

VLADIMIR. 

Nothing ! (Making gestures to Werra to get down — she 
shakes her head — Vladimir in despair.) I — I — Look ! Ma- 
rie ! Look at that beautiful painting. (Pointing to an old 
chromo, framed, over fireplace — this done to attract Marie's 
attention from Werra — Werra will not disappear. Vlad- 
imir goes down l. hand on heart, other one gesticulating 
for Werra to get down.) Oh ! oh ! 

MARIE. 

(Ffightened.) Vladimir! 



34 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT I, 



VLADIMIR. 

{Stretches out both arms to her, she goes -into his arms. 
Vladimik makes signs back of her, to Werra, at last Wer- 
ra reluctantly disappears. Vladimir swings Marie around 
to l. starts for trunk, pushes cover down and strikes picture 
of perfect ease.) There, I'm better now. 

MARIE. 

I'm glad of that. 

VLADIMIR. 

Isn't that picture a beauty ? (Marie looks at picture. 
Vladimir kicks trunk — Marie looks around quickly.) Don't 
you think we'd better go to the conservatory ? 

MARIE. 

Yes, I think we had. (Vladimir takes her up e. — he looks 
around and discovers Werra lifting up cover again, with a 
dart, down he goes, jams the cover over hunk again.) 

VLADIMIR. 
Keep still. 

MARIE. 
Why I didn't say anything. 

VLADIMIR. 

No, no, I beg your pardon, Marie. {He starts to exit with 
her but the Duchess enters c.d. followed by Madam Kremo- 
line — Marie backs a little to l. and Vladimir over l. dozen 
stage confused, with his eye on the trunk.) 

MARIE. 

Mother, we are going to the conservatory, will you come 
with us? 

DUCHESS. 

No, my dear, we just came from there. We will wait here 
till your return. 

VLADIMIR. 

{Over L. aside.) If they discover Werra, I am lost. {He 
backs on stove, burns himself, and in a confused manner.) 
Yes, we were going to the conservatory. I'm sure you will 
excuse us. ( Takes Marie's hand, leads her to door. Marie 
exits first, then Vladimir, who gives last look at trunk.) 



ACT I.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 35 

DUCHESS. 

{Down i,.) Madam ! Something must be done. It's 
dreadful. (Sinks in chair r. of table portrait near her.) 

MADAM. 

(Going to her.) What is the matter, Duchess? Why did 
your Grace ask me to come up here ? (Duchess takes picture 
in hand.) 

DUCHESS. 

I need your advice. (Count Andrey appears in door c.) 

MADAM. 

You do indeed. You must be more careful Duchess, a little 
while ago when speaking about that picture, you nearly be- 
trayed yourself. (Andrey, listening, begins to comprehend 
the conversation and gradually slips behi?id curtains at win- 
dow to listen.) 

DUCHESS. 

I know I did. I felt like clasping Vladimir to my heart 
and telling him that I am his mother — his mother. (Looks 
at picture.) 

MADAM. 

Not so loud Duchess. (Going r. and looking around.) 

DUCHESS. 

Oh ! This is heart-rending, (rising) my husband has just 
now informed me that Vladimir and Marie love each other. 
We must avert the possibility of a marriage. 

MADAM. 

If you part them, the Duke will demand a reason. You 
cannot tell him that you are Vladimir's mother. Take my 
advice and not oppose it. 

DUCHESS. 

Madam Kremolin, you are mad ! Do you fully realize what 
you are saying ? Do you forget that Marie, is Vladimir's half 
sister? (Madam sees the curtains move, and starts back — 
Duchess observes Madam.) Why, what is the matter? 
(Madam over r.) 

MADAM. 
There is some one behind that curtain. I saw it move. 



36 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT I. 



DUCHESS. 

Oh, you have lost your wits. The wind caused the curtain 
to move, you are over excited — you are mistaken. 

MADAM. 

There's some one there. (Duchess goes up i v . of curtains, 
and Madame up over r. — Duchess takes bottom of left dra- 
pery and the Madame the bottom of right, and quietly lift it 
away from cevitre, disclosing Andrew sitting in chair, book 
in hand, as though fast asleep.) 

DUCHESS. 

{Aside.) Count Mod jeska! {Lets fall the curtain and goes 
down u. — Madame does the same and goes down r.) 

MADAME. 

You are lost. ( Very low.) 

DUCHESS. 
No! he's fast asleep. 

MADAME. 

Impossible! not five minutes ago, I spoke to him in the 
conservatory. He is trying to deceive us. 

DUCHESS. 

Is it possible! {Angrily, but intense.) I'll soon find that 
out. {Goes up stage and with two swings pushes curtains 
way back — the Count still in same position.) Count! Count 
Modjeska ! (Count wakes, looks around with evident signs 
of amazement, the Duchess, meantime going down l. and 
the Madame right?) 

ANDREY. 

Why! ladies! I beg your pardon, I accidentally fell asleep. 
{Down c) 

DUCHESS. 
It is not so, you have played the eaves-dropper. 

ANDREY. 
Duchess! 



ACT L] THE VOICE OF NATURE, 37 

DUCHESS. 

It is useless to feign surprise. You listened, did you not? 
Answer me? 

ANDREY. 

I'll not deceive you Duchess, I did listen, but not willingly. 
I followed you and Madame into this room, and thinking you 
were aware of my presence, I sat in the window to read, when 
to my great surprise I heard your startling confession that 
Vladimir was your son. 

DUCHESS. 
Why did you not speak then? (Mad ami? going up to door c.) 

ANDREY. 

Because I feared that the knowledge of my having heard 
the secret would disturb your Grace, and I decided to remain 
silent, but rest assured Duchess I shall never betray you. 

DUCHESS. 

(Pause,) Thank you, you are a man of honor. I hope 
Count that you will forgive me for my hasty words, and since 
you have heard so much, it is only just to myself that you 
should know all. 

ANDREY. 

Really, Duchess, that is unnecessary. 

DUCHESS. 

It must be done. Vladimir's father was a man without ti- 
tle, but I loved him and secretly became his wife. The old 
priest who joined our hands, was the only witness; that night 
he was murdered in his bed, his house set on fire and the on- 
ly record of our marriage was destroyed. My father hearing 
of rny affection for a commoner, as he called Vladimir's 
father, had him wiongfully accused of Nihilism, and without 
a trial, he was sent to Siberia where he died; fearing my 
father's wrath, I fled to France and there became Vladimir's 
mother. 

ANDREY. 
And your husband, the Duke ? 



58 THE VOICE OF NATURE, [ACT I- 



DUCHESS. 

Knows nothing. When I returned to Russia with Vladi- 
mir, I led the world to believe, that he was the son of an un- 
fortunate schoolmate of mine, whose name was the one I used 
in France, Olga Tolstoi. I had no document to prove my 
marriage, and when I became the Duke's wife, I had not the 
courage to tell him. 

ANDREY. 

And Vladimir does not suspect? 

DUCHESS. 

No I Although thousands of times, when I watched him 
and Marie play together as children, I called her daughter 
and had to deny him his rightful name of son, the fatal con- 
fession would come to my lips but never pass them. My 
God ! what I have suffered, to feel that the world might jeer 
and scoff at him, and perhaps call him — nameless, (binks in 
chair.) 

ANDREY. 

Why not tell Vladimir? 

DUCHESS. 

No, no, I have not the courage, I dare not. (Madam who 
has gone up stage at c. dooi at beginning of scene between 
Duchess and Andrey.) 

MADAME. 

Hush! Vladimir, (xs over l. up stage.) 

DUCHESS. 

(Rising.) Not a word to him; I will expect you to-morrow. 
(Enter Vladimir.) Where is Marie? 

VLADIMIR. 
In the conservatory. 

DUCHESS. 

(Bows.) I shall join her. (she exits. — meantime the Mad- 
ame; is up stage i,. has watched Andrky closely. — Vladimir 
starts in direction of trunk, sees Madame.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Oh! Madame, I believe that you are interested in trees, — 
(Madame bows.) — if so, you will find one beneath the window, 
a fine specimen, I assure you, it's worth examining. 



ACT I.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 39 



MADAME. 

Thank you, I will inspect it. (Madame; goes to windozv 
behind curtains.) 

VLADIMIR. 
(Putts curtain, turns.) Did you get Werra out? 

ANDREY. 
Werrai what do you mean? (Over r.) 

VLADIMIR. 
Why, she was here! (Going up to door c.) 

ANDREY. 
Here! where? 

VLADIMIR, 
In that trunk, (looks in direction of Madame;,) 

ANDREY, 
My God! she's heard all. 

VLADIMIR. 

(Going down to him.) Talk to Madame, while I get her 
out. (Count goes to Madame, back of curtains — Vladi- 
mir lifts trunk, so that Werra can get out, she crawls out.) 
Come, get out you little monkey. 

WERRA. 

(Stretching herself.) Oh! I feel as if I were tied up in a 
knot, (xing 1,.) 

MADAM. 

(Comes out from window obsetves Werra in amazement.) 
Where did that creature come from? (Look of indignation 
from Werra.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Professor Ipenoff sent her to me, he wishes to speak to me 
immediately. 

MADAM. 

Oh! (Coming down.) You said there was a peculiar tree 
under that window and there is nothing there but an empty 
street. 



40 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT I. 

VLADIMIR. 

Oh, I beg your pardon, I meant the tree under the lecture 
hall window, the Count will show you. Come, little one. 
(Vladimir exits, Werra starts up c. Madam looks at her 
closely through her lornguette, and as Werra is about to ex- 
it.) 

WERRA. 

Oh ! get a Kodak. {She exits.) 

MADAM. 

Impudent little creature. Count, I'm glad Vladimir has 
gone, I wish to express my gratitude, I am sure that in you 
the Duchess has a true friend. 

ANDREY. 

Thank you. I shall do all in my power to assist her. (En- 
ter Posta.) 

POSTA. 

I beg your pardon Madam, but the Duchess desires your 
presence. 

ANDREY. 

(Offers his arm to Madam.) Permit me. (He escorts her to 
door and exits — Posta watches intently.) 

POSTA. 

I'll wager that he's been making love to her. (Laughs, 
goes over r.) Oh ! I'm tired, I haven't had enough of sleep. 
(Pulls down folding bed and sits on edge nearest audience?) 
I'm glad they're all gone, but Werra. (Enter WERRA quick- 
ly.) That Werra makes makes an impression on me, the 
little ape. 

WERRA. 
(Coming down.) Did you speak ? 

POSTA. 
What! You here again ? (r.) 

WERRA. 
Yes, I'm here ! (l.) 

POSTA. 
Werra, I'm convinced that you are a little darling. 



ACT I.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 



WERRA. 



Darling ! It was ape a little while ago, (Posta approaches 
her.) Stay where you are, I'll have none of your monkey 
shines around me. 

POSTA. 
Who in the wide world taught you all that foreign slang ? 
WERRA. 

{Over i,.c.) Madam Wassilie's maid is an American girl, I 
am her chum and she has coached me in many things, you 
bet. 

POSTA. 
{Over r.c.) Then you'd better get right out of here. 

WERRA. 
Not until I get my baskets and Madam Wassslie's frivolities. 

POSTA. 

Frivolities ! {Outside laughter of all the characters.) The 
devil ! {Going to door, Wkrra xs r.) They are coming up 
again. {Down to trunk.) Here, quick, get into this trunk. 

WERRA. 
No sir, once was enough for me. 

POSTA. 
Werra, I implore. 

WERRA. 

No, no, no, I'll not do it. {Enter Viadimir.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Posta, I want you to go. {Observes Werra.) What ! you 
here again? Posta go and keep them below. (POSTA exits.) 
Now, Werra, you get out of here. 

WERRA. 

No sir ! I'm going to stay here until I get my cash. 

VLADIMIR. 

Oh ! ! {Goes down t,. not knowing what to do, turns.) For 
the last time will you get in there ? 



42 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT I. 

WERRA. 

For the last time, no. (Sits on bed.) Here's where I am 
going to stay. 

VLADIMIR. 

All right ! That's where you will stay, (xs over and lifts 
the folding bed with Werra in it, she screams, but he shuts 
it up and Werra is inside. Werra screams inside, bang- 
ing side of bed.) Shut up ! shut up! If you scream again 
I'll kill you. (Duchess enters followed by Marie and the 
Duke all look anxiously at Vladimir. Posta enters at c. 
door.) Be a good little girl now — that's right, that's the way 
to do it. (Turns and observes them all.) "Begone ! Thou hast 
set me on the rack — I swear, I swear" — (strike top of bed in 
disgust.) 

DUCHESS. 

Why, what is the matter ? 

VLADIMIR. 

I was trying to think of that last word and it's escaped me. 

DUCHESS. 

Why I thought you were talking to some one. (i,.c.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Why, no, merely reciting a piece of poetry that's all. 

POSTA. 

Yes, talking to himself, he's often taken that way. 

DUCHESS. 

Indeed. 

POSTA. 

Yes, will recite to himself for hours and then he'll play on 
that piano, (c.) 

MARIE. 

Oh ! How lovely, play for us. (xs over r.c.) 

VLADIMIR. 

(Over r.) No, no, I cannot, it's not well — I mean that I'm 
not well. 



ACT I.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 43 

DUKE. 

Nonsense ! Play us anything. {Up stage r. near pictures 
on wall.) 

MARIE. 

Yes, anything, we're not particular. 

VLADIMIR. 

{Over at bed.) The piano is dreadfully out of tune. {He 
bows and grins.) 

MARIE. 

We won't mind that. I like a little discord now and then. 
{Ad lib quarrel between Vladimir and Marie.) 

DUKE. 

That's right, fight it out, I love to see a little discord before 
marriage as well as after. 

VLADIMIR. 

I tell you it's shockingly out of tune. 
DUKE. 

Keep it up, keep it up. {Laughingly backs up r.c. his hand 
strikes cord and the map goes up with a bang showing ballet 
girl. Posta tries to prevent Marie from seeing picture— 
Duchess annoyed — Duke laughs. — Goes over to the other one 
and pulls cord on that, to the surprise of all — the Duke still 
laughing goes down l. takes night robe from the mantel, 
waves it around his head.) — What do you think of this ? 

{Laughing heartily, Duchess shocked, Marie enjoys the 
situation, Posta quietly so, Vi^adiimer crestfallen, but hold- 
ing on to piano, when the Duke says: "What do you think 
of this?" Werra inside of folding bed, screams.) 

WERRA. 

Help ! help ! let me out ! let me out ! {She pushes bed 
open and Vladimir tries to hold her in, Werra is too strong 
for him and the folding bed comes down with WERRA inside. 
Duke laughing, Duchess and Marie amazed, Posta turns 
up stage laughing, and Vladimir dumbfounded at the re- 
sult, all confusion. Duke at c. Duchess over a,, then Ma- 
rie iv.c, Posta up c. Vladimir r.c. and Werra on the 
bed.) 

QUICK CURTAIN. 

{For second curtain, Werra trying to hide herself with 
blanket. — Vladimir trying to apologize to Duchess and 
Marie who are c.) 

CURTAIN. 



44 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT II. 



ACT II. 

SAME SCFNF AS ACT FIRST — FOUR MONTHS I,ATFR. 

Instead of everything with an air of poverty, richness and 
elegance greets the eye. Magnificent Portiers on window 
and over doors, r. 3d F. & t,. 3d f. Large chandelier with 
electric lights. Beautiful mantelpiece. Mirror on top. A 
piano at r. where folding bed was. A large piano lamp 
near at hand. Over l,. near fireplace a table with plush cover 
and miniature easel with photo on. Three handsome chairs 
r., iv. and back of table — A small writing desk up c. Foils 
hanging on wall above desk. A small fancy lamp on table 
over iy. Two candelabras with candles on mantelpiece. Ele- 
gant pictures on wall and book case over r. Key in door c. 
Rugs, etc., in fact anything that will will make scene appeal 
rich and home-like. Large fancy sofa over r. in front of 
piano. At Curtain Rise a number of voices heard outside 
singing the Russian Anthem or a College Song. Night 
effect through window and fire in fire place. Sleigh 
bells heard off stage. Wfrra discovered at window listening. 
Wfrra is in character of sew ant in the University. At rise, 
scene quite dark, only glow from fireplace and lamp turned 
down low.) 

WERRA. 

{At finish of song.) Bravo, boys! bravo! (Throwing kisses 
to those below. — Enter Posta c. who observes her.) There — 
there — and there. 

POSTA. 

By jove! she's liberal with her kisses. I'll get a substantial 
one. {goes up softly to curtain.) 

WERRA. 
Oh! I could hug and kiss the whole lot of them. 

POSTA. 
Then begin with me. {Pulls the curtains together.) 

WERRA. 

(Inside.) Let me go! do you hear? Let me go! 

POSTA. 

(Inside.) Not without a kiss. (Loud bang inside, as 
though WFRRA slapped his face. — curtains open, and Wfrra 
darts out from behind, and goes down r. — Posta appears c. 
through curtain, holding on to his jaw.) Oh, but you're an 
angel! 



ACT IL] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 45 

WERRA. 
Yes. Did yon feel the love pat from my wing? 

POSTA. 
{Down c.) Your wings must be cut, 

WERRA. 
(r.c. arm up-lifted,) Would you like to try? 

POSTA. 

No, no my dear, I wouldn't cause you the slightest pain, 
because I love you. 

WERRA. 

Then if you do, obey me. 

POSTA. 

(Crossing over r.) At your command. {Kneeling.) Most 
angelic Maiden. 

WERRA. 

(On piano siooL) I didn't tell you to kneel down and ruin 
your breeches. Go over and turn up that lamp. (Posta 
rises.) 

POSTA. 

With pleasure, (xs overi^. turns up lamp, while doing so.) 
Werra do you know that I think you are rather good look- 
ing? 

WERRA. 

Rather! good looking? (Commanding ly.) Light those 
candles. (Posta lights candles on mantel piece.) 

POSTA. 
Oh, anything to oblige. 

WERRA. 
I think I would train you to make a good husband. 

POSTA. 
(Laughing .) You think so? 



46 THK VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT II. 

WERRA. 

I know so. But I'd have a hard job. Think of your present 
condition, what are you? 

POSTA. 
{Dejectedly.) Nothing. 

WERRA. 
Correct! how do you propose to make a living? 

POSTA. 

You forget that I'm Baron Posta Lakanoffski. (Overx,. with 
dignity.) 

WERRA. 

You forget that I am Baron Posta Lakanoffski. Where on 
earth did you pick up such a jaw-breaking name? 

POSTA. 
I inherited that name. 

WERRA. 
You look it. 

POSTA. 
Oh, well, if your going to be sarcastic — (Werra laughs, and 
then good-natutedly holds out her hand — he takes it, looks in 
her eyes, is about to kiss her. — Enter Count Andrey in full 
evening dress.) 

ANDREY. 
Ah! do I interrupt? 

POSTA. 
No, not at all. {Going i,.) 

ANDREY. 
Where is Vladimir? {Up c.) 

WERRA. 
Don't know. {Down r.) 

ANDREY. 

Has he gone out? {Down c.) 



ACT II.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 47 

POSTA. 

Don't know, {xing tip r.c.) 

ANDREY. 

Will he return shortly? 

WERRA. 

Don't know. (Count goes down l,. — Posta up at c.d. — 
Andrey turns.) 

ANDREY. 

What's the matter with you two? 

POSTA. 

Don't know. {Slams door and exits — WERRA down r.) 

WERRA. 

Aren't you glad you found out? 

ANDREY. 

You haven't told him about the Duchess and Vladimir, 
have you? 

WERRA. 

{Polishing piano with apron.) I'm not going to blab. If 
it were only your interest at stake, I'd tell in a minute. {Low 
knocking heard at door — Werra looks around and then con- 
tinues her work — knock again heard — Werra continuing her 
work.) 

ANDREY. 

{Over i,.) There's some one at the door, do you hear? 

WERRA. 

( Without moving.) Come in. {Door slowly opens and 
Karol enters, he has peculiar looking make up, not hideous, 
but striking — he pauses in c.d. looks around, sees Andrey, 
then goes down slowly to him.) 

KAROL. 

Count Andrey Modjeska. ( Takes letter from pocket, gives 
it to him.) I await your answer. (Andrey takes letter and 
opens it.) 

WERRA. 

{Over r. polishing piano.) And it came without calling. 
(Werra exits r. ie.) 



48 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT II. 

ANDREY. 

I cannot come to-night. Gregory will make apologies. 

KAROL. 

{Aside to Andrey, so that no one could hear.) It is im- 
portant that you should be there. 

ANDREY. 

(Angrily.) Gregory has my letter which explains all. 

KAROL. 

That matters not. We'll expect you before adjournment. 
(Enter WERRA.) Good night. (xing up to c.d. — turns.) 
Good night. Exits. — (Andrky over l. irritated — goes to 
mantel and leans on it.) 

WERRA. 

(over r.) Say, Count, that friend of yours has a face like a 
dynimite bomb. 

ANDREY. 

Mind your own business. 

WERRA. 

Made you nervous didn't he ? What did he say, Count ? 
(knock at c.d. — werra xs to r. mysteriously?) Look out he's 
coming again. (Knock outside?) Come in. (enter Madame 

KRAMOIylN.) 

MADAM. 
(not seeing Count.) Oh! that creature here again. 

WERRA. 

The old chromo. (aside.) 

MADAME. 

(Seeing Count.) Oh, Count, (bows.) Vladimir isn't here 
is he? 

ANDREY. 

No, I have been waiting for him. Werra, you may retire. 
(Werra exits c. suspiciously — bangs door — Madame eyeing 
her till she exits.) 

MADAME. 

She is very impertinent. If Vladimir comes shortly, tell 
him that Marie is waiting below. (She bows, starts to retire.) 



ACT II.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 49 

ANDREY. 

One moment, and one question please. Why did you, the 
last time you were here, advise the Duchess to let Marie mar- 
ry Vladimir, when you knew that she was his half sister ? 

MADAM. 

You have no right to ask me that question. {Over r.) 

ANDREY. 

As a friend of the Duchess, I must know. You had some 
motive. If you desire protection, I will be as faithful to you 
as I have been to the Duchess. 

MADAM. 

I must trust you, but it must never pass your lips without 
my consent. 

ANDREY. 

I promise you that. 

MADAM. 

Thank you. Vladimir, as you know, is the son of the 
Duchess, but Marie is not her daughter. 

ANDREY. 

(Staggered.) Not her daughter ? ( Turns and goes down 
L. in deep thought.) 

MADAM: 

No. (Over r. subdued?) Two months after Marie's birth, 
the Duke and Duchess went abroad, and left her in my care. 
The child took sick, and one fatal night by mistake, I gave 
her an overdose of a powerful sleeping draught, and to my 
great sorrow, killed the real Marie. 

ANDREY. 
Does anyone else know of this ? 

MADAM. 

I confessed all to the family Doctor, and he, knowing the 
Duke's great desire to have an heir to his fortune, advised me 
to remain silent. In a foundling asylum, we discovered a 
baby girl, who closely resembled the real Marie. The Duke 
and Duchess believe this child to be their own. (xs r.) 



50 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT II. 

ANDREY. 
And you intend to tell the Duchess ? 

MADAM. 
When I can muster up the courage — yes. {Sitting on sofa 

R.) 

ANDREY. 

Are you aware that it would involve you in a criminal pro- 
ceeding ? That if you confess, you might be charged with 
murder ? 

MADAM. 

Murder ! My God ! (Rising.) 

ANDREY. 

It may mean Siberia. The Duke has looked upon that 
child as his for years. If you confess, you will cut his very 
heart strings. Therefore you must be silent. 

MADAM. 

True, true ! You are right, I must be silent. {Staggers 
over r.) {Enter Marik. ) 

MARIE. 
Madam, are you aware that you have kept me waiting ? 

MADAM. 
I beg your pardon, child. {Re-enter Wkrra.) 

MARIE. 

Where is Vladimir ? 

WERRA. 

{Over l. bowing.) In the class room, he will be here in a 
few minutes. 

MARIE. 

Thank you, we will wait, {xs down to piano.) 

WERRA. 

{Aside to Andre; y.) That's a hint for you to evaporate. 

ANDREY. 

I shall have the pleasure of meeting you at the ball. Good 
evening. {Exits c.) 



ACT II.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 51 

MARIE. 

{Over r.) Thank goodness, he's gone. 

WERRA. 

Yes, the air is a little clearer. (Madam has gone up to 
7£/indow, as if to throw off her great agitation.) 

MADAM. 

Oh ! look, Marie, what a beautiful moon, it's rising, so ma- 
jestically. My dear departed husband was always fond of the 
moon, especially, when it was full. 

WERRA. 

Yes, I'll bet her dear departed, was often that way. Full ! 

MARIE. 

Hsh ! ! Close the portiers, she'll gaze on that moon for 
hours. (Werra closes curtains. Marie; xs over 1,. and sits 
back of table) And this is his mother's picture? 

WERRA. 

I hope she won't steal that man. (xing down c. Sees 
Marie with portraits Oh ! ! Be careful, Vladimir fairly 
worships that picture. 

MARIE. 

But he'll surely not object, if I decorate it with roses. Do 
you know, Werra, the more I look at this picture, the 
more it resembles my mother ? 

WERRA. 

It strikes me a little, that way, too. 

MARIE. 

Does it ? Tell me, Werra, did you ever hear Vladimir 
speaking of me ? 

WERRA. 

Why ! that's all he talks about. See that photograph of 
yon, (on the piano) well, he's kissed the enamel clean off, why, 
there's enough of microbes on that picture to make a whole 
nest of kissing bugs. (Both laugh.) 

MARIE. 

I like your merry disposition, that's why I tell you my 
sweetest secret. 



52 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT II. 



WERRA. 

A secret! why, do you know I'm stuffed with other peo- 
ple's secrets ? 

MARIE. 

There, now I'm finished. {Looking in admiration at por- 
trait twined with roses — enter Vladimir, sees her, then Wkr- 
ra — he gives sign to Werra to exit into room l. jd E. — 
Werra quietly xs over to l.— Vladimir places his hat on 
rack, as he turns Werra is over l. standing — Vladimir 
gives her another sign to exit — she does so quietly — then 
Vladimir comes down quietly back of Marie while she is 
admiring portrait — he kisses her — Madam open curtains at 
same time.) 

MADAM. 

Beautiful ! (Vladimir xs down r. surprised — Marie rises 
goes down l,.) That effect was grand. 

VLADIMIR. 

{Confused, turning.) Thank you, I am glad you liked it. 

MADAM. 

{Up between curtains.) I was lost in admiration, with what 
grace she was swallowed by those inky clouds. 

VLADIMIR. 

Inky clouds. Why, what do you mean ? 

MADAM. 

The moon ! 

VLADIMIR. 

The moon, oh ! The devil. Marie, {she xs to him — Ma- 
dam behind curtains again.) We'd better get rid of her. 

MARIE. 

I'll tell her to go — but no — I can't do that — here — I know 
— hide this fan {gives him fan.) {Aloud.) I wonder where 
my fan is ? 

VLADIMIR. 
Perhaps you left it at home. 

MARIE. 

{Looking over l. on table?) No, I am sure I brought it 
here. I can't go to the ball without a fan. Madam ! {comes 
from curtains) would you mind riding home and bringing 
me another one ? 



ACT II.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 53 



MADAM. 

{Coming down.) Certainly not, I'll get you one. {Rings 
bell.) I'll tell the creature here to go down stairs, and tell 
the coachman to ride there and bring you one immediately. 
(Madam rings bell — Werra enters hurriedly at her l,. Ma- 
dam startled.) 

WERRA. 

Well ! you needn't jump, I have had the measles. What 
do you want ? 

VLADIMIR. 

I think you'd better vanish. {Over r.) 

WERRA. 

Left face, forward march. {Sings Russian National An- 
them and exits.) 

MADAM. 

What an impertinent little creature. {Over l.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Oh ! no, she isn't. She's a trifle forward, that's all. {xing 
over to her, and in his explanation shows fan) She's one of 
the best — (Marie tries to warn him, pantomme about fan.) 
Well — it's all right — she's — {discovers mistake) oh ! {hides 
fan.) 

MADAM. 

There's your fan. What do you mean by trifling with me 
in this way? I shall inform the Duchess. {Goes up c.) 

MARIE. 

{Following herup t r. of her.) Oh, no, vou'll not betray us 
Dodo. 

VLADIMIR. 

{On her 1,.) Certainly not, you will forgive us, won't you, 
Dodo? 

MADAM. 
No, I will not. {Positively, c.) 

MARIE. 
{Patting her cheeks.) Oh, yes you will Dodo. {Kisses her.) 



54 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT II. 

VLADIMIR. 

Oh, yes, of course you will dear Dodo. (As if trying to 
kiss her.) 

MADAM. 

Sir ! ! Well, I'll forgive you this time, but if it ever occurs 
again — {talking heard outside — enter Duchess in full even- 
ing dress — Duke in uniform — Count full dress — also Posta 
— Werra at door i,. jd E. — Duchess at c. — Marie goes over 
to piano — Madam xs overt,, to fireplace — Vladimir goes to 
Duchess, kisses her hand.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Why, Duchess, this is an unexpected visit. 

DUCHESS. 

Why, are you not going with us? (c.) 

VLADIMIR. 

I have sent my regrets. To-morrow is examination day 
and to-night my books claim my attention, (l.c.) 

DUKE. 

(Down iy.) That's right, never neglect your studies, (slaps 
him on back.) 

MARIE. 

(Over at piano.) Look Mother! this piano is actually a 
real one. (Fingers over keys and laughs.) 

DUCHESS. 

Yes, Vladimir has been taught a lesson regarding his 
extravagancies. 

POSTA. 

(Steps forwai'd c.) Duchess, pardon me, but I feel it my 
duty to exonerate Vladimir. 

VLADIMIR. 
Posta! (i,.c.) 

POSTA. 

No, no, I'm going to speak. Duchess, Vladimir did not waste 
his money, but loaned it to us and even pawned his furniture 
to pay a debt of honor for Count Modjeska. (Andrey R.C 

looks annoyed.) 



ACT II.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 55 

DUCHESS. 
Count, is this true? (c.) 

ANDREY. 
(Pause.) Yes. 

DUCHESS. 
Vladimir, forgive me. (Extends her hand which he kisses.) 
DUKE. 

Noble boy! noble boy! your hand. (Shakes it heartily \ 
then whispers in his ear.) I have those interesting red 
stockings in my pocket, (takes them out a trifle) I will re- 
turn them to you. (Puts them back but a corner of them is 
seen sticking out.) 

VLADIMIR. 

No, no, not now, some other time. 

DUKE. 

All right, just as you say, my boy. 

MADAM. 

(Over 1,. (?/Duke.) I beg pardon Duke, but there's a little 
piece of red lining hanging from your coat. (She stoops 
down, pulls out stocking, holds it up horror stricken.) Fe- 
male stockings I (All amazed?) 

WERRA. 

(Aside.) Madam Wassilie's frivolities! (Over extreme i,.) 

DUCHESS. 
General ! (Pause.) I am waiting an explanation ? 

DUKE. 
An explanation ! Why I — that is — easily explained — I — I-— 

DUCHESS. 

(Sarcastically.) Umph ! I thought that you would say, 
that for once in your life you condescended to enter a store 
and bought those abominations for me. (Pause.) Well ! I 
am waiting an answer ? 

DUKE. 

Why — you see — I — I — oh ! damn it, I have no answer. 



56 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT II. 

DUCHESS. 

I thought so. ' (Over r. Duke ^5 up back.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Pardon me, but I think I can explain. You remember 
when we forced Werra to give up her laundry to decorate our 
room? (c.) 

DUCHESS. 

Yes, I remember. 

VLADIMIR. 

Well, in the laundry we found those — those — abominations, 
I, in my excitement, placed them on the mantel where the 
Duke found them, he put them in his pocket and only a few 
moments ago spoke of returning them to me. 

DUKE. 

As usual, innocent as a lamb. (Coming down l.c.) 

DUCHESS. 

To whom do they belong? (r.c.) 

DUKE. 

They don't fit me ! (Madam over i,. with stockings in hand.) 

WERRA. 

They belong to Madam Wassilie. (Over extreme l,.) 

DUCHESS. 

Return them to the owner. (Werra takes them from Ma- 
dam, goes up stage and as she exits , flounces them in face of 

POSTA.) 

POSTA. 

That girl is full of the devil. (Marie at piano with Vlad- 
imir. ) 

DUKE. 
Duchess, you must pardon me, I must attend that confer- 
ence at the Foreign Office before going to the ball this even- 
ing. Cc.c.) 

DUCHESS. 

Must you leave us so soon ? (r. Madam extreme t,. Posta 
up l.c.) 



ACT II.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 



DUKE. 



Yes, an important meeting. Nihilism is becoming ram- 
pant, and it must be crushed. The Count will escort you. 
You will all excuse me, I know. (He bows and goes up to 
door c. to POST a.) Posta, look out for the little chamber- 
maid. (Exits.) 

DUCHESS. 

I am so sorry that Nihilism is spreading again, it means so 
much misery. (Count xs over to i,. to Madam. Posta down 
L.c. near Duchess.) 

POSTA. 

I suppose the Nihilist feel that they have some rights 
which should be respected. (Marie at piano, playing softly .) 

DUCHESS. 

Yes, but the sorrow of it all. (Goes to Marie — Posta 
looks over at Andrey and goes up stage near window.) 

MADAM. 

Count, Marie's love for Vladimir grows stronger everyday. 
I fear a separation will kill her. I must speak the truth. 

ANDREY. 

Very well, but remember, it means Siberia. 

MADAM. 

Yes, but look at them. (A shot fit ed outside — all confusion 
Marie stops playing — Posta runs to windows.) 

VLADIMIR. 

What is the matter ? (c.) 

POSTA. 

The police are chasing a man who is running up the col- 
lege steps, he has entered the building. (Two shots fired.) 



Who is the man ? 
It's Gregory. 
Gregory ! 



VLADIMIR. 

POSTA. 

ALL. 



58 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT II. 

POSTA. 
The Minister of Police has entered. 
VLADIMIR. 
Then he's lost. 

POSTA. 

The officers are surrounding the house. {Bang of a door 
heard off r. then sound, as if a man running up a flight of 
stairs. Gregory enters c. door pale, hair all disarranged, 
closes door after him — xs down i,.) 

VIvADIMIR. 
What's the matter ? 

GREGORY. 
Vladimir, save me. In God's name hide me. (i,.c.) 

VIvADIMIR. 
What have you done ? (c.) 

GREGORY. 

We had a meeting, the police surprised us — I escaped but 
am pursued. 

DUCHESS. 
Is he a Nihilist? (r.c.) 

VIVADIMIR. 
You heard what he said, (c.) 

GREGORY. 

Duchess ! Duchess ! For God's sake, save me. (Vladimir 
goes up and holds door.) 

DUCHESS. 

I would save you but I am powerless. Oh ! this is horrible. 

VIvADIMIR. 

They are coming, hide behind that piano. Marie, you 
stand there. {Above piano.) And Duchess, you there. 
(Gregory hides behind piano — Duchess stands at foot of 
piano nearest audience.) 

WERRA. 

{Outside.) You can't go in there. You have no right. 



ACT II.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 59 

MINISTER OF POLICE. 
{Outside of door.) Out of the way, girl, do you hear ? 

WERRA. 
{Outside.) I tell you, you can't go in. 

MINISTER. 

{Outside.) Remove that girl. {Noise as though a couple 
of guards were moving her away from door — Marie when 
she hears noise outside sits down at piano, and continues 
playing, the Minister enters — she stops — all look with sur- 
prise — Minister enters hastily — to Vladimir.) So I find I 
am once again in your rooms? (c.) 

VLADIMIR. 

To my great surprise, yes. 

MINISTER. 

(Minister goes down i,. then xs r. — sees Duchess, stands 
amazed.) Duchess Alexis ! 

DUCHESS. 

What means this intrusion ! {Over r.) 

MINISTER. 

{Confused?) Pardon me, there must be some mistake. We 
are pursuing a Nihilist. {Two Cossacks seen in door?) 

ALL. 

{General movement.) A Nihilist ! 

MINISTER. 

{Down c.) Yes, my men saw him enter this part of the 
building, and I am compelled to search every room. 

WERRA. 

{Going down to his r.) Well, do we look like Nihilists? 

DUCHESS. 

Werra ! ! (WERRA tetires.) {To Minister.) Do your 
duty. 

MINISTER. 

It will be unnecessary to make any further investigations. 



60 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT II. 

DUCHESS. 

But I insist upon it. {Over r.) 

VLADIMIR. 

This is the only other room we can boast of. {Going to 
door iv. 3d E.) This way please. {At door.) 

MINISTER. 
Thank you. {Exits, then Vladimir.) 

WERRA. 

{Looks after them.) Oh the brute ! Hunting some poor 
fellow. {Calling into room.) Here, don't you dare upset 
that bed. 

DTTCHESS. 

Werra ! {Re-enter Minister and Vladimir.) 

MINISTER. 

There's no one in there. {Going to c.) 

POSTA. 

{Throws back curtain from window) No, nor in here. 

WERRA. 

(iv.c.) Perhaps you'd like to look under that table or be- 
hind'that piano. 

MINISTER. 

Well, it wouldn't be a bad idea. {He starts over r. the 
Duchess takes a step or two forward.) It is quite unneces- 
sary — Ladies and gentlemen, the man I want is not here. I 
crave your pardon. {Bows to Duchess — exits and closes door 
c.) (Vladimir goes up to door — opens it, looks after them.) 

DUCHESS. 
{Down r.) Thank God. 

VLADIMIR. 

That was a narrow escape. {Up at door.) 

DUCHESS. 

(Duchess leans on sofa for support.) Tell him to come 
out. 



ACT IL] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 61 

VLADIMIR. 

Gregory ! (Gregory comes out from behind piano.) 

WERRA. 

Then there was some one there after all. (Over i,.) 

GREGORY. 

Duchess, I owe my life and liberty to you, (r.) 

VLADIMIR. 

You must waste no time, you must leave this place at once 
and in some disguise, (c.) 



Let him come with me, I'll give him one of the gardener's 
uniforms. 

VLADIMIR. 
Good! The very thing. (Up at c. door again.) 

WERRA. 
Come on, follow me. (Exits quickly l,. ist E.) 

GREGORY. 

(xs over and then turns.) Duchess, once more I thank 
you, I thank you all. (Bows and exits t,. ist E.) 

DUCHESS. 

Vladimir, escort Marie and Madam to the ball room and 
then help that unfortunate young man. My purse is at your 
disposal. 

VLADIMIR. 

Duchess, you are more than kind. (He escorts Madam 
through door also Marie, he waits at door ready to escort the 
Duchess as she starts up c.) 

ANDREY. 

One moment, Duchess. A few words please. 

DUCHESS. 

Certainly. (Vladimir closes door — Duchess down r.) 
Well, I am waiting. 



62 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT II. 

ANDREY. 

I think that the time has arrived Duchess, when Vladimir 
must be told. 

DUCHESS. 
Told ! what ! that I am his mother? {Approaching r.c.) 

ANDREY. 
Yes. (c.) 

DUCHESS. 
Impossible ! I cannot do it. {xing down r.) 
ANDREY. 

You must. The time has arrived when they must be sep- 
arated. 

DUCHESS. 
( Turning.) Why do you desire their separation ? {At r.c.) 

ANDREY. 
Because I love Marie. 

DUCHESS. 
That may be true, but she may not love you. 

ANDREY. 
You must force her to accept me. (iv.c.) 

DUCHESS. 
Force her ! My child ! What if I refuse ? (r.c. defiantly.) 

ANDREY. 

I shall furnish the Russian Court with another scandal. 

DUCHESS. 

{At c.) Then your friendship for me was all pretended ? In 
short, a farce. Count Modjeska, you are a coward. (An- 
drejy goes to her — she steps toward him.) Yes, a coward ! 
(Andrey tmns from her and goes i,. she following him.) 
You pledged your word of honor that you would guard my 
secret, and now, you take advantage of my trust, by trying to 
force me to give you my daughter's hand. You are worse 
than a coward. 



ACT II.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 63 



ANDREY. 

Duchess, if you say that word again, I'll forget that you 
are a woman. 

DUCHESS. 

{Turns on him.) And strike me, I suppose. And to such a 
specimen of manhood, I should sacrifice Marie. No — never 
— never, {xing r. taking up her cloak on sofa, as if to go.) 

ANDREY. 

Very well, then. To-night's ball (taking his cloak over i,.) 
will be a fitting place to air your Grace's early love affairs. 
(About to start up c.) 

DUCHESS. 

No, no, stay, remain. You would not do that. 

ANDREY. 

Not if you accept my proposition. 

DUCHESS. 

(In agony)) For pity's sake, Count, don't force me to hu- 
miliate myself before all the world. Give me time. Time ! 
time to think. (In intense agony.) 

ANDREY. 

Until to-morrow. Then, you must tell him all. 

DUCHESS. 

Oh! this is torture! agony! can't you think of any other 
excuse for separating them? Think, Count, think, think! 
(Duchess appealing to him.) 

ANDREY. 

(xs down i,. as if in deep thought — sees portrait of Vlad- 
imir's mother on table — stops.) Yes, there is one. You must 
appeal to his honor. (Duchess turns away from him and 
looks upward in agony — Andrky takes picture, places behind 
him.) Tell him that you lied to him. (xing over to her, and 
showing the portrait.) Tell him that his supposed dead 
mother, was not the good and noble woman you have pic- 
tured, but a criminal, who expiated her crimes upon 
the scaffold. That's the only way I see out of it. 

DUCHESS. 

And thereby rob him of the memory of his supposed dead 
mother? The memory he worships — in short, Count Mod- 
jeska, you wish me to defile my own character? 



64 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT II. 



ANDREY. 

{xing over i,.) Well, that's one way of putting it. (places 
picture on table?) But it must be done. 

DUCHESS. 

Horrible I horrible ! (Duch^SS sinks on sofa.) 

ANDREY. 

Tell him, that the Duke does not know the true story of his 
mother's career, but that some of your family who are ac- 
quainted with it, threaten to inform the Duke unless his en- 
gagement to Marie is broken. You understand? {Over r.) 

DUCHESS. 
Yes, {faintly) yes, I understand, and then ? 

ANDREY. 

Then, take Marie abroad, I shall follow, become a suitor 
lor her hand, and with your assistance, win her. {xing over 

DUCHESS. 

Oh, my God ! Have I sunk so low, and is this the price 
that you demand ? 

ANDREY. 

Her hand, or your disgrace. (iy.C.) 

DUCHESS. 
A terrible choice. 

ANDREY. 
I await your answer. 

DUCHESS. 

I will tell him to-morrow. I'll degrade my memory and 
destroy his faith. 

ANDREY. 

You will not fail? Come — {pause) answer me. 

DUCHESS. 

{She draivs herself up haughtily and looks him straight in 
the eye.) I will not fail. {Enter Madam c. followed by 
Wkrra.) 



ACT II.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 65 

MADAM. 

Pardon me, I am looking for Marie's handkerchief, she al- 
ways forgets something. {Looking atound on table 1,. Wer- 
ra goes over 1,. up stage watching Madam — Count goes over 
to Duchess who stands like one in a trance, he offers his arm 
and smiles.) 

ANDREY. 

May I escort you down stairs ? 

DUCHESS. 

{She looks at him — hesitates, then takes his arm, they go up 
c. at door, Andrey lets go her arm, takes her left hand as if 
to kiss it — the Duchess in c.d. withdraws her hand.) That, 
is quite unnecessary. ( They both exit c door.) 

MADAM. 

{Over i,.) Ah ! there it is on the piano, {xs over takes 
handkerchief from piano and starts to go up c. to exit.) 

WERRA. 

{Closes door after exit of DuCHESS.) Don't be in a hurry 
please. Sit down. {Pointing to 1,.) I want to talk to you. 

MADAM. 

{xs over h.) But they are waiting for me. 
WERRA. 

(r.c) Let them wait. Sit down. (Madam sits in chair 
r. of table i,.) Madam Kramolin, I know all. 

MADAM. 

All ! Why, what do you mean ? 

WERRA. 

I overheard your conversation with the Count, and was 
surprised to find that Vladimir was the son of the Duchess. 

MADAM. 

{Horrified — and then rising!) But you do not believe that 
I poisoned her ? 

WERRA. 

Poisoned her ! {Recollects herself.) Well, I can't say that 
until I know all. 



66 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT II. 

MADAM. 

But you said you heard all. 

WERRA. 

Some of it escaped me. You see I was behind that door 
and had to listen through a crack. 

MADAM. 

Then let me swear to you that the death of the real Marie 
was purely accidental. 

WERRA. 

{Getting excited.) Then Marie is not the Duchess' daugh- 
ter ? 

MADAM. 

No. 

WERRA. 

Oh ! you dear, darling, old stupid. {Hugs her and dances 
over r. swinging around.) 

MADAM. 
Why, child, what is the matter ? (i,.) 

WERRA. 
I'll tell Vladimir to-night, (c.) 

MADAM. 
No, no, {rising) you would not have me accused of murder' 

WERRA. 
Murder ? 

MADAM. 

Yes, Count Modjeska says that if the Duke knew of this it 
would mean my death. 

WERRA. 
Jerusulam ! 

MADAM. 

Oh, Werra, for the love of your mother, promise to remain 
silent, my life depends upon it. 



ACT II.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 67 

WERRA. 

I'll do it, but it's a blinkity-blink-blank shame. 

POSTA. 

{Enters.) Excuse me, Madam. Marie says if you cannot 
find her handkerchief to come without it as she is tired of 
waiting. 

MADAM. 

I'll go at once. {Throws a significant look at Werra and 
exits.) 

POSTA. 

{Closes door.) Now Werra, we are alone, and I want to tell 
you a secret. 

WERRA. 

{Over r.) Don't you do it. I'm stuffed with other peoples' 
secrets. 

POSTA. 

But this concerns you. 

WERRA. 

Well, sling it out. {Disgusted, sits on so/a.) 

POSTA. 

I want to tell you Werra, that I love you. 

WERRA. 

And you call that a secret ? I knew that a month ago. 

POSTA. 

Then it's all the easier said, will you become my wife? 
{Kneels beside her.) 

WERRA. 

What ! your wife ! Oh ! that's different. And you want 
me to become your sweet little Baroness? {Grabs him by the 
hair.) 

POSTA. 

Yes, I do. 

WERRA. 

Get out, you're bluffing me. {xing over 1,.) 



68 THE VOICE OE NATURE. [ACT II. 



POSTA. 

I'm not, and I want you to go to a seminary and there be- 
come fitted to occupy that station in life. 

WERRA. 
You really mean to educate me ? 

POSTA. 
If you are willing. {Enter Vladimir.) 

WERRA. 

Oh ! if I only had a witness. (WERRA xs down i,. turns, 
sees Vladimir at door, Posta R.) Now, ask me that ques- 
tion and I'll answer you. 

POSTA. 

Vladimir, I have asked Werra to become my wife, I have 
offered her my heart and fortune. 

WERRA. 

W T hat do you think of that ? Do you think he means it ? 
(iv-c.) 

VLADIMIR. 

{Down c.) I certainly do. {Sizing up Post a.) 

WERRA. 

If you do Posta and you love me, kiss me. {She holds out 
her arms, Posta xs over.) 

POSTA. 

You little darling. {About to kiss her, stops, looks at 

VLADIMIR.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Go on, go on. {Turns r. Posta kisses her again and 
again.) 

WERRA. 

{Restraining him.) There, there now, wait until to-mor- 
row. {Swings c.) 

VLADIMIR. 

{Over r.) Allow me to congratulate you both. And Wer- 
ra, bear in mind, that Posta is a very delicate young man, 
therefore, be careful of him. 



ACT II.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 69 

WERRA. 

{With hand on muscle.) Oh ! I'll take good care of him, 
you bet. Posta ! it's time for me to go home. {Bows exceed- 
ingly low to VXadimir.) Good night Monseer. {With air 
of dignity.) Posta ! your arm, and escort me to my resi- 
dence. (Posta takes her arm and with mock dignity, they 
go up to door and Werra turns.) Open the door. {Said 
gently.) Posta comes down not understanding .) Open that 
door. ( Very gruffly.) Good night ! {Said very sweetly, 
they both exit!) 

VLADIMIR. 

{Up at door.) A delicate creature; but he loves her, and I 
think she loves him. I hope so, for marriage without love, 
must be horrible. The world will laugh at him for wedding 
one so far beneath in the social scale, but then the world 
laughed at me for having the audacity to approach the 
woman I love. {Takes Marik'S photograph from piano and 
fondly admires it xing over i<.) Dear Marie, I know I am 
not worthy your love. 'Tis too much to expect for a rough, 
coarse grained commoner, and yet, faint heart ne'er won fair 
lady yet. That must be my motto. (Bell rings outside.) 
Ten o'clock, my studies ! (Goes up stage to little desk, turns 
back to audience, opens book and starts to study. Song is 
heard outsde, he pauses a little, goes to window, pauses, re- 
turns to desk sits as if to study again, closes book and rises, 
turns and goes down stage, l.) It's no use, I can't study ! 
I'm too excited even to sleep. (About to turn down the light, 
the red glare of the fireplace shows out strong. Pause. Then 
Maris enters hurriedly through c. door, closes it, and hastily 
locks it and stands apparently exhausted against the door.) 
Why ! Marie ! what is the matter ? What has happened ? 

MARIE. 
You love me Vladimir, do you not? {Up at door.) 

VIVADIMIR. 
Why yes, you know I do. (At x,.) 

MARIE. 
They want to separate us, to part us forever, (xing r.) 

VIvADIMIR. 
Who wants to part us ? (At i<.c.) 

MARIE. 
My mother, (r.c.) 



7 o THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT II. 

VLADIMIR. 
The Duchess ! When did she say that ? 

MARIE. 

A few moments ago, below in the ball room. She forbade 
me ever to see you again. She will see you in the morning 
and in the afternoon we leave for Italy. {Going r.) 

VLADIMIR. 

For Italy ! 

MARIE. 

Yes, but I have baffled her. I sent her a note saying I was 
coming here and would stay here until she gave her sanction 
to our marriage. 

VLADIMIR. 

No, no, Marie, you cannot. Do you fully realize what you 
are doing ? 

MARIE. 

Yes, fully. (Going doiun r. she has key in her hand.) 

VLADIMIR. 

No, no. You cannot comprehend the greatness of this in- 
discretion. Give me the key and let me open the door, (iy.c.) 

MARIE. 

No ! That door must remain locked. (Over r.) 

VLADIMIR. 

But, Marie, if this were known at Court your fair name 
would be tainted forever, for our love's sake let me open that 
door. 

MARIE. 

It is for our love's sake that I want it locked. 

VLADIMIR. 

(Aside and going down l.) Oh ! what shall I do? (Turns.) 
Marie, I shall force it open. (Marie rushes up to door, 
places herself in front of it.) 

MARIE. 
No, no, you shall not. 



ACT II.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 



VLADIMIR. 

My God ! Marie, you are rash, headstrong ! If nothing 
else will move you, think Marie, of your honor. 

MARIE. 

That is in your keeping. (Vladimir turns away, Marie 
still at door. Pause. Knocking heard at door and then rat- 
tling of knob. Marie gradually goes away from door and 
Vladimir turns. Pause.) 

VLADIMIR. 

{Whispers.) Some one at the door ! (Goes up.) Marie, in 
there. (Points to door L.3.) You must not be seen. 

MARIE. 
No ! I shall remain. (Over r.) 

DUCHESS. 

(Off stage and knocking at door.) Vladimir! Vladimir! 

MARIE. 

(Over-R.) It's mother. 

DUCHESS. 

Vladimir! (Patties door outside.) Is Marie with you? 
(Pause, Vladimir looks at Marie, Vladimir extends hand 
as if asking for key.) Why don't you answer me or open the 
door? (Vladimir's hand still extended. Marie slowly gives 
key. Marie xs over l. ivhile Vladimir goes and open door 
and then Vladimir backs a little down r. the Duchess quick- 
ly enters, pauses in door.) 

DUCHESS. 

(Sees Marie.) So, Marie, you are here. 

VLADIMIR. 
Duchess, I — I cannot explain this. 

DUCHESS. 

(At c.) There is nothing to explain. I know you both so 
well, that I would not, for an instant, doubt your honor. (Ma- 
rie who has been looking intently at her mother, from posi- 
tion over l. gradually sinks to chair l. of table and buries 
her face in hands.) Marie, I forgive the passionate impulse 
of a romantic young girl, who, by an indiscreet act, sought 
to force her mother's consent to a union, which, although it 
breaks her heart, she could never sanction. 



72 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT II. 

VLADIMIR. 

{Surprised.) Never sanction ! Why, Duchess ! what do 
you mean ? 

DUCHESS. 

It was my intention to speak to you to-morrow, but since 
matters have come to such a crisis, I will speak now. 

MARIE. 

Mother, (rising) nothing you can say can ever change my 
love for Vladimir. 

DUCHESS. 
Poor child ! All that will soon be changed. Vladimir, I 
have been to you all that a mother could be to a child, have 
I not ? 

VLADIMIR. 

Yes, Duchess, you have. 

DUCHESS. 

All facts regarding your antecedents you know through 
me. 

VLADIMIR. 

Yes. (Marie xs up c. back to door.) 

DUCHESS. 

f Andrey slowly opens door up at c. and listens.) I led 
you, the Duke, all, to believe that your mother died while 
giving you birth, but, bat I lied. 

VLADIMIR. 

Lied. You lied to me ! Oh ! no, no, no. {Down r.) 

DUCHESS. 

I lied, because I wanted you to cherish not curse her mem- 
ory. 

VLADIMIR. 

Why should I not cherish her memory, she was a good 
woman and your nearest friend ? 

DUCHESS. 

Up to the time of your birth, yes. But after that. 

VLADIMIR. 

After that ! what ? (r.c.) 



ACT II.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 



DUCHESS. 

She fell — (Vladimir staggers back dumfounded. Marie 
during conversation with Vladimir has gone slowly up to 
cut tains and but for her hold on drapery would have fallen 
on that announcement. Andrey unseen by all the others up 
at door with an air of triumph) And as one of the most noto- 
rious criminals died upon the scaffold. 

VLADIMIR. 

The scaffold ! My God ! (Stands like a statue, Marie 
utters a low expression of horror and the Duchess tremen- 
dously agitated. Vladimir slowly regains composure.) Duch- 
ess ! Is that the truth ? 

DUCHESS. 
(With effort.) Yes. The secret would have remained 
buried in my heart but I was forced to tell it. (Slowly backs 
to chair l. leans on it.) 

VLADIMIR. 

(Dazed — sighs.) It's all over now, it's all over. (Stag- 
gers over to piano sees his mother 's picture twined with roses, 
takes it up.) And so you're not the ideal woman that I pic- 
tured, good, pure and holy, but a criminal of the worst type 
and executed on the scaffold (Marie gradually xs over at 
back and as Vladimir goes to the c. she takes his place.) My 
God ! And I am the son of such a woman. I'll not believe 
it ! Duchess Alexis, (xing c.) when I painted this beautiful 
innocent face, you told me it was the Voice of Nature that 
guided my hand and the Voice of Nature cannot lie. No ! 
There is something in my heart, cries out louder than the 
blare of trumpets, more powerful than the roar of thunder, 
The Voice of Nature speaks again and tells me that my 
mother is as good and pure, ay ! and as holy in the sight of 
God and man as you are. Marie ! (Marie rushes into his 
arms, the Duchess grasps table over l. for support but is 
overcome, sinks in chair. Andrey up at door closes it as 
the Curtain slowly descends.) 



74 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT III. 



ACT III. 

Scene — a year later — the foyer and grand staircase 
in the imperial opera house, st. petersburgh. 

Large winding stairway running up the c. and off~R. Red 
plush carpets on stairs and down to footlights. This scene 
must be one of extreme tichness and beauty. Palms, candel- 
abras, chandeliers and statuary can be used. A small table 
and two chairs over l,. Upstages, another small table, two 
gold chairs also candelabra and candles lighted. A small 
fancy table at L. jd E. with one candle and fancy candlestick 
on lighted. 

MUSIC FOR RISE FROM CARMEN. 

KAROL. 

{Quartette singing inside, if desired, instead of curtain 
rise music. Karol discovered on steps.) Ah ! the revelry 
is on, and this night will be your last ; for once the oppressed 
will be the victors, and all oppressors shall fall. (Goes down 
stage.) Where can Gregory be ? (Goes down to l. and looks 
off— enter Duke and Minister of Police from upper stairs.) 

DUKE. 

(As he goes down stairs.) The singing was superb, but the 
Prima Donna's voice shows a little wear and tear. I am 
afraid she sings too much. (Goes down l.) 

MINISTER. 

(Following him.) It must be torturing to think she might 
lose her voice. 

DUKE. 

It's more torturing to the public, when she doesn't know it. 
(Laughs.) But are you sure the Czar can enter the Opera 
House with perfect safety ? 

MINISTER. 

Yes. We have guards everywhere, always on the lookout 
for suspicious characters. The guard behind is one of my 
men. (r.) 

DUKE. 

I should say by his looks that he needed watching. When 
will the Czar and Czarina arrive ? 



ACT III.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 75 

MINISTER. 

After the next act. 

DUKE. 

And not a person will leave the Opera, I suppose, until 
they arrive. Afraid of missing the grand reception. 

MINISTER. 

The place is thronged, and I am sure no one will leave — 
By the way, how is your protege Vladimir getting along ? 

DUKE. 

Excellently. He has been in the army nearly a year, and 
is now up stairs in the private box of the Duchess. 

MINISTER. 

I gave him quite a start once, I received an anonymous 
letter and was compelled to search his room for a dynamite 
bomb. (Movement 0/"Karoi, up back listening.) 

DUKE. 

Yes, quite a joke, wasn't it? (Laughs.) 

■ MINISTER. 

Yes, and shortly after, strange to say, we traced a Nihilist 
to his very room, and when we entered, low and behold in- 
stead of a Nihilist, we found the Duchess Alexis, (laughs.) 

DUKE. 

I never heard of that. But do you know, I think Nihilists 
can squeeze themselves into a knot-hole. 

MINISTER. 

They are very tricky, (calls) Karol ! 

KAROIy. 

(he comes down i,. of Minister and salutes.) No listeners, 
your Excellency, you and the Duke are the only ones who 
have left the Opera, since the performance began. (By this 
time Duke; has worked over to l,.) 

MINISTER. 

You see they never think of leaving, (enter Andrey at 
top of stairs, in full evening dress.) 



76 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT III. 

DUKE. 

Ah, Count, will you join us in a smoke ? (Andrey near 
top of stairs.) 

ANDREY. 

In a moment, gentlemen. {He looks off to r. as though 
u 'd ich i ng so me one. ) 

DUKE. 

(.ring over r. to Minister.) Come, what say you to a little 
promenade? I have some choice cigars here, warranted not 
to kill, will you join me ? 

MINISTER. 

I am afraid I can't spare the time. 

DUKE. 

Nonsense man. Take a few whiffs with me, and straighten 
out your legs a bit. Come on, come on. {Exit both laugh- 
ing.) 

ANDREY. 

{He has been watching off r. and as they make their exit he 
turns around gradually, holding on to railing of stairs, as 
he turns on stairs at about the c. he comes face to face with 
KaroIv.) What are you doing here ? 

KAROI,. 

That's my business, you traitor. 

ANDREY. 

{Still on stairs.} You forget, that the Minister of Police is 
here. 

KAROL. 

Yes. Will I give you an introduction? 

ANDREY. 

Don't be silly. Is there anything wrong here to-night? 

KAROIv. 

'Tis the morrow that traitors need fear. {Re-enter Duke 
mains over r. — when they enter Posta and Werra are heard 
and Minister from r.ie. — Duke goes to c. — Minister re- 
quarrelling outside iv.2E.) 



ACT III.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 77 



POSTA. 

{Outside.) Very well, have it your own way, but I tell you 
it's so. 

WERRA. 

{Outside.) And I tell you it is not so. 

POSTA. 
{Outside.) I tell you that it is. 

WERRA. 

{Outside.) I tell you that it is not. (Andrey at foot of 
stairs.) 

DUKE. 

( To Minister.) The Baron L,ackanoffski and his charm- 
ing little wife. 

ANDREY. 

It's an outrage to be compelled to meet a woman who 
earned a livelihood at a wash tub. {Up c.) 

DUKE. 

(r.c.) I believe the doors are all wide open. {Enter 
Werra and Posta — Werra in magnificent Court costume, 
with mote than the usual length of Court train which she 
handles awkwardly — Posta in Lieutenant's uniform — Wer- 
ra is vety angry, and he is trying to pacify her.) 

WERRA. 

Oh, don't bother me, I tell you we are too early. {Going 
c) 

POSTA. 
I tell you that we are late. (i,.c.) 
WERRA. 
It's aristocratic to be late, and I am not going in that Op- 
era till the Czar has squeezed himself into his box. {At c.) 

DUKE. 

(r. of her.) Then permit me to assure you, Baroness, that 
you, are in plenty of time. {Bows.) 

WERRA. 

Oh, delighted to see you General. {She bows, takes a step 
or two back finds that she is on her train — stoops down, picks 
it up and throws it violently to the i,. and it strikes Count 
Andrey.) 



78 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT III. 

ANDREY. 

Oh, I beg your pardon. 

WERRA. 

{Indignantly.) Oh, you're always in the way. {Smilingly 
to Duke.) What comedy play do they sing to-night ? (Posta 
over i,. — The Minister oe Pouce has sauntered up stage, 
and as Karoi, leans over the railing, they talk together.) 

DUKE. 

Comedy play ? They sing the best acts from several of our 
latest Operas. Allow me to offer you a program in honor of 
to-night's performance, it is embellished with poetry, (r.c.) .; 

WERRA. 

Oh, I hate poetry. They tried to cram that stuff in my 
head at the Seminary, but it wouldn't stick there. 

POSTA. 

{Disgusted.) Oh, Werra ! {Over i,.) 

WERRA. 

{Angrily.) Shut up ! Oh, I beg your pardon. Please 
shut up ! 

DUKE. 

Posta, I think you have the liveliest little wife in St. Pe- 
tersburg. 

POSTA. 

Yes, she keeps me hopping. 

DUKE. 

Baroness, you are as naive as our American cousins, (r^c.) 

WERRA. 

I'm glad of it. I like Americans, they are the only beings 
on earth who ever discovered themselves. 

DUKE. 

Discovered themselves ! {Laughs.) No. no, my dear 
child — Christopher Columbus discovered that glorious coun- 
try. 

WERRA. 

Oh, yes, that's so, Columbus — wasn't he the gentleman who 
laid the egg ? (c.) 



ACT III.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 79 

DUKE. 

{Confused, desiring to laugh, but restrains himself. Pos- 
TA over h. disgusted.) Well, no, no, not exactly that — he — 
he— 

ANDREY. 

(Come down to i,.c.) He made an egg stand on end. 
WERRA. 

Indeed! Well, wasn't he smart? (Sarcastically — Enter 
Marie on top steps, in pure white costume — Werra has 
crossed down r. she turns and sees Marie.) Hello, Marie, I 
am so glad you're here. I was getting a little rattled be- 
ing alone here with so many men. I am glad to see you. 
(<#c.) 

MARIE. 

(Extending her hand.) I am glad to see you, Baroness. 
(Minister gives instruction to Karoi, who exits i,.2E. 
Duke and Posta exit i,. 2nd E. Minister exits up stairs. 
Andrey exits c. under stairway.) 

WERRA. 

If you want to do me a favor, don't call me a Baroness, it 
sounds as stiff as a broom stick, call mc plain Werra as you 
always did. When did you get back from Italy ? 

MARIE. 

Yesterday. (Down to table i,.) 

WERRA. 
Have you seen Vladimir? (At her r.) 

MARIE. 
He's up stairs in the box with mother. (Sits in chair.) 

WERRA. 



Do you still love him ? 
More than ever. 



MARIE. 



WERRA. 

That's right, stick to him through thick and thin. ( Turns 
R.) Where's Posta ? I'll bet he's run away from me. I had 
no peace, I had to dress hurriedly in order to get here, and 
now that I'm here, he's out of sight. No, there he is now, 



80 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT III, 

{pointing offx,. 2nd E.) Oh, I'll give it to him. {As she ex- 
its.) Oh, you're trying to run away from me are you? (An- 
drey enters from the opening under the stairs, comes down 
c. after Werra exits.) 

ANDREY. 

Marie, why are you so sorrowful? What is it makes you so 
sad? 

MARIE. 

Nothing! nothing! 

ANDREY. 

There is something, I'm sure — believe me, Marie, it pains 
me deeply, because — I — I love you. 

MARIE. 

{Annoyed, rising.) Oh! Count! I — {xing r.) 

ANDREY. 

I must make it known. It was not mere chance which 
made me meet you in Naples, two months ago, I went there 
with the express purpose of offering you my rank and for- 
tune. (i,.c.) 

MARIE. 
That is impossible, Count, I love another — {Over r.) 
ANDREY. 

But your mother objects to him, surely you wouldn't marry 
him when you think of his antecedents. {Re-enter Werra 
1..2E.) 

MARIE. 

I am not going to marry his antecedents. 

ANDREY. 
But he is not worthy you. 

MARIE. 

{Low, but intense.) Count Modjeska! that is for me to 
decide. 

WERRA. 

{At i,.2E.) That settles him. (xs to foot of stairs — re-enter 
Duke and Posta i<.2E.) 

DUKE. 

Ah! here comes Vladimir. {Over 1,.) 



ACT III.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 81 



POSTA. 

And the Duchess. (EnterDvcunss followed by Vladimir, 
Madam last, she remains on stairs. Werra comes up a Jew 
steps.) 

WERRA. 

Hello, Vladimir, I'm so glad to see you. Look at Posta, 
isn't he a fit subject for the chamber of horrors? (All laugh.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Duchess, permit me to present Posta's wife, the Baroness 
Lakanoffski. (Both ladies bow.) 

WERRA. 

Isn't that name a mouthful? I believe, Duchess, I had the 
pleasure of meeting you once before, I had the introduction 
through a folding bed. (General consternation and amuse- 
ment. Posta looks furious. Duchess takes the situation 
good naturedly as she goes down the steps.) 

DUCHESS. 

Posta, I congratulate you ; you have chosen wisely. (At 
foot of stairs.) 

POSTA. 

Thank you, Duchess. (Duchess xs r. Marie sits over r.) 

WERRA. 

(On stairs with Vladimir near the bottom step.) Look at 
poor Marie, see, how she's pining for you. 

ANDREY. 

(Oyery.. of Duchess. Aside.) I have spoken to Marie, 
she is still determined to become Vladimir's wife. 

DUCHESS. 

Impossible ? Let us go to the conservatory, we can speak 
there without being disturbed. (They exit under stairs 
quietly as though Andrey called her attention to something — 
Vladimir has been watching Marie who is over r. in deep 
thought Werra goes to Posta who is over l. talking to 
Duke.) 

WERRA. 

Potsa ! (Posta goes to her, aside.) Look ? Vladimir is dy- 
ing to talk with Marie, we must get the Duke out of the way 
and dust ourselves. 



82 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT III. 

POST A. 
Pshaw ! how can we do it ? 

WERRA. 
Lie ! lie ! can't you ? 

POSTA. 
I can't think of anything, (xing down i<. and then up.) 

WERRA. 
{Disgusted?) Duke ! you're a married man, aren't you ? 

DUKE. 
Married ! Well, I should say I was married ! {Down i^.c.) 

WERRA. 

{Nodding in direction of Vladimir and Marie.) Can't 
yon take in the situation ? 

DUKE. 

Certainly {laughs) two is company and three is one more 
{laughing) come, Posta. (Werra exits up stairs between 
Duke and Posta, all laughing) Huh ! the older I grow the 
more stupid I get. {laughing, they exit, Werra, Posta 
and the Duke. — Vladimir, who has been standing up r. 
comes down c.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Marie, it is near time for the second act, I think we'd 
better go. 

MARIE. 

{Rising.) Vladimir, why have you avoided me? Have I 
offended you? 

VLADIMIR. 

Why no indeed, but think of the barrier that separates us. 
What would the world say? 

MARIE. 

(r.c.) I have studied the so-called world and found it 
empty. I have asked myself thousands of times if I should 
desert you because your mother was a weak woman, and al- 
ways my heart has answered, no. Vladimir, you see this 



ACT II.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 83 

little rose. I want you to cherish it as a symbol of my un- 
dying love. (She fastens flower in his button-hole, working 
around to his l. — enter Duchess and Andre y from under 
t;ie grand stairway — they observe Marie and Vladimir who 
are overt,.) 

ANDREY. 
You must tell Marie now, that Vladimir is her half brother, 

DUCHESS. 
No, no, I cannot. 

ANDREY. 
I insist, {extreme r.) 

DUCHESS. 
No, no, I have not the courage, (r.c.) 

ANDREY. 

Either Marie or Vladimir must be told, which do you 
choose? (Vladimir and Marie are about to go up the stairs) 

DUCHESS. 

Marie, Marie, (they^ stop) I wish to speak with you. You 
will excuse me, Vladimir, I am sure, and you also, Count. 
(Marie drops down d.) 

ANDREY. 

{up r.c.) Certainly. Vladimir, let us hear the end of the 
act. 

VLADIMIR. 

By all means, {up l.C.) I am in the proper mood for music. 
{Goes up stairs, half way up he turns) Duchess! {bows — on 
top step, turns) Marie! {gives a loving look at Marie and 
the?i ex Us — Andrey exchanges looks with Duchess — Marie 
has gone down l.) 

MARIE. 

Well, mother, I am all attention. 

DUCHESS. 

{at c. trembling) Marie, I — I wish to speak to you finally 
about Vladimir. 

MARIE. 

You could not have chosen a more welcome subject, for I 
have finally decided to become Vladimir's wife. 



THE VOICE OF NATURE. . [ACT III. 



DUCHESS. 

{with horror.) No, no, my child, impossible. Listen, and 
then you will understand the hopelessness of your love for 
Vladimir. I know he is worthy of you, but marry him you 
cannot. 

MARIE. 

Cannot, why not? (with great surprise.) 

DUCHESS. 

There is a tie between you so strong that it cannot be 
broken. 

MARIE. 
Why, what do you mean? (going to her.) 

DUCHESS. 
My child, I loved once as you now love. 

MARIE. 

Yes, yes, I know you loved and married the man of your 
choice, my father. 

DUCHESS. 

That was my second marriage, the first was my marriage 
to Vladimir's father. (Marie staggers backward.) 

MARIE. 
To Vladimir's father? (leaning on table for support.) 

DUCHESS. 

Yes, nerve yourself for this confession. I am Vladimir's 
mother, (long pause — Marie looks at het, as if dazed, then 
gradually sinks in chair at table overcome.) Now, Marie 
you know all. (Duchess goes over to her.) My poor Marie, 
I have broken your heart. 

MARIE. 
No, no, I am calm. Go on, I can hear all now. 

DUCHESS. 

No, my child, this is neither the time nor the place, (great- 
ly agitated.) Your father does not know that Vladimir is my 
son, and looks with favor on your love, and you know now 
that can never be. (looking around anxiously for listeners.) 



ACT III.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 85 



MARIE. 

Yes, yes, I know, but without the love of Vladimir; my 
future life is shattered. 

DUCHESS. 

{going to her.) My child, I pity you, but you are young, 
your future is before you. Count Modjeska loves you, he has 
offered you his hand, why not accept him? 

MARIE. 

Mother! you dare speak to me thus — Count Modjeska ! 
never, never, {xing down r.) 

DUCHESS. 
Then ruin and dishonor will fall on all of us. (i,.c.) 

MARIE. 
How? (r.c.) 

DUCHESS. 

He discovered my secret, and knowing I have no document 
to prove my marriage to Vladimir's father, he threatens to 
divulge my secret to the world, unless you consent to become 
his wife. 

MARIE. 

And my marriage is the price of his silence? Mother, I 
loathe the very sight of that man. I detest — I despise him. 
{xing extreme r.) 

DUCHESS. 

It is not for myself that I speak, but for your father's sake. 
If these facts were to become public property, it would kill 
him. (c.) 

MARIE. 

Last year, you told Vladimir and me a different story about 
his mother, and you deceived us. How can I believe you 
now? ( going to her.) 

DUCHESS. 
{horrified.) And you doubt what I say? 

MARIE. 
How can you blame me? {over r. in extreme agitation.) 



86 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT III. 



DUCHESS. 

Oh, Marie, I would have told you the truth then — (Maris 
xs over l. with expression of displeasure.) — but had not the 
moral courage to do so. To part you, the Count forced me to 
tell that miserable lie. (Marie sits on chair completely over- 
come.) Oh, Marie, you don't know what I have suffered these 
many years. (Andrey up on the stairs.) The Count! Marie 
our fate lies with you. 

ANDREY. 

{coming down the stairs.) Ah, Duchess, I found the Opera 
very tiresome indeed. (Marie xs over ». — Duchess over i,. 
heart-broken.) Duchess, a little while ago I asked your 
daughter to become my wife, she was not quite decided in her 
answer, perhaps she wished to consult you? {down c.) 

MARIE. 

{with effort) Count, my mother has told me all. My hand 
is the price of your silence. (Count bows) Perhaps money 
would satisfy you ? 

ANDREY. 
Marie, you insult me. 

MARIE. 

Insult you ! Count Modjeska, since you insist, here is my 
hand; I will be your wife but I can never love, no, nor even 
respect you. (Count kisses her hand, Marie shuddets — laugh 
up stairs and from top of staiis, the Duke appears followed 
by Madam, Posta, Werra then Vladimir — Andrey xs over 
i,. — Duchess up r.c. — Marie down r.) 

DUKE. 

{On stairs) What a pity you missed the ending of the act, 
it was great, great, {down near the bottom.) 

MADAM. 

{0?i stairs) It was simply divine. 

WERRA. 

{On stairs) I thought it beastly, I couldn't understand a 
word, {all laugh) 

DUCHESS. 

( Who has been up stage during the scene of Marie and 
Andrey, comes down c.) While you were enjoying the scene 
of the Opera, I was enjoying a still prettier scene. 



ACT III.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 87 

DUKE. 
Indeed ! What was it ? 

WERRA. 
Tell us, by all means. (Vladimir at bottom of stairs.) 

DUCHESS. 

I have the honor to announce my daughter's engagement 
to Count Modjeska. (Andrey over l. — all express surprise) 

VLADIMIR. 

To Count Modjeska ! (dumb-founded — then xing down to 
Marie) Marie, speak, is this true ? 

MARIE. 

(with effort,) Yes, why not? 

VLADIMIR. 

Why not! Have you forgotten your promise? Marie, look! 
(places hand in lapel of coat, showing rose.) 

MARIE. 
(turns, sees it.) Merely a touch of romance, I now realize 
that this is the age of realism. 

VLADIMIR. 

Realism! realism! you say this to me? 

MARIE. 
(with great effort.) Yes. 

VLADIMIR. 

You are right, this is the age of realism, and now I realize 
what a romantic fool I have been, for while I worked, toiled, 
slaved to aim at higher things than worldly realism, you 
plunged yourself in a whirlpool of pleasure, and now you 
laugh at the romantic fool who believes in virtue and in God. 
From this moment, to me, the world is changed, I'll laugh 
when the world laughs, and look up on women as they really 
are, and not the idols that I pictured, for that was myth, a 
myth, a vain, foolish myth, a dream, a dream, a dream! 
. (backing during the speech, making exit through the curtains 
under the stairway. Pause — all dumbfounded at the sudden 
turn of affairs.) 

DUKE. 

(going over to Marie.) Marie, are you sure you love the 
Count more than Vladimir ? 



88 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT III. 

MARIE. 

Yes, father, quite sure. 

DUKE. 
Poor Vladimir, pooi boy. {goes up stages.) 

DUCHESS. 
(at c.) Count, escort Marie to our box. 

ANDREY. 

With pleasure, (xing ovet to Marie.) This is the proud- 
est moment of my life. 

MARIE. 

But not of mine, (looks hatefully at him, then steadies 
herself, takes his arm, walks up stairs with him and off r. 
followed by Duchess — Madam is about to follow them, as she 
starts to go up stairs) 

WERRA. 

Madam! (with gesture as if to wait.) 
DUKE. 

(over r.) Posta, (Posta xs to him) what do you think 
of this affair? 

POSTA. 
Think! I think it's a damn shame. 

DUKE. 

So do I. Let's find Vladimir, (they exit r.ie. — WERRA 
follows them down toward r.c. — Madam by this time is iy.c.) 

WERRA. 

What is the meaning of all this engagement business? Not 
ten minutes ago she told me that she loved Vladimir, I turn 
my back and presto change she is engaged to the Count. 
MADAM. 

The Count forced the Duchess into this alliance, he threat- 
ened a court scandal. I suppose Marie has -sacrificed her- 
self. 

WERRA. 

Oh, the monster! (going down r. then turning.) I wish 
I could put a dynamite bomb under him and blow him to — 

MADAM. 

Baroness ! (at l.c.) 



ACT III.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 



WERRA. 



Oh, I dou't care, {xing l.) just let me catch hold of that 
Judas. Oh, the villain! wont I pepper him. 
MADAM. 
(r.c.) What do you mean ? 

WERRA. 

You must confess to the Duchess that her daughter is dead. 
That Marie is not his half sister, that she can marry him a 
thousand times over if she likes. Do you hear? 

MADAM. 

But I have no longer the documents that prove Marie is a 
foundling. 

WERRA. 

Where are they? 

MADAM. 

The Count has them. He begged me to let him examine 
the documents and then refused to return them. 

WERRA. 

Has he destroyed them ? 

MADAM. 

No, I called yesterday at his apartments and I noticed the 
documents in his desk. 

WERRA. 
Then we must get them. 

MADAM. 
Yes, but how ? 

WERRA. 

Wait a moment! wait a moment! {going i,. in deep thought 
Madam follows her.) Don't bother me. I have it. The 
Count has several times tried to flirt with me on the sly, in 
public, he ignores me. As soon as I get a chance I will flirt 
with him, and I'll manage it so that I will visit his rooms 
to-morrow afternoon alone. 

MADAM. 

Alone! and would you go? (r.c.) 



9 o THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT III. 

WERRA. 

Would I ? To get those papers — yes. When I am inside, 
you send a letter by a servant requesting him to come at once 
to the Duchess. Watch him leave the house and then come 
in yourself. We will send his valet away under some pre- 
text, then open the desk with an assortment of keys which I 
shall procure, and if they don't fit, we'll break it open. 

MADAM. 

You are a clever girl, Baroness. 

WERRA. 
I was born without cash but blessed with a few brain cells. 

MADAM. 
Shall we confide in your husband? (r.C.) 

WERRA. 

No! no!! he can't keep his mouth shut for five minutes, he 
was born talking. 

MADAM. 

But the Count to avenge himself will betray the Duchess' 
secret, and create a scandal. 

WERRA. 

No he wont. Once we have those papers, I'll tell him that 
if he utters a single word I'll brand him as a blackmailer of 
women, and at the same time, disgrace him before the offi- 
cers of his regiment by giving him the worst horse whipping 
a dog ever got. 

MADAM. 
Would you? 

WERRA. 

Would I? Look at these muscles! look at them! I haven't 
stood over the wash tub for nothing, {over i,. — enter Count 
at top of stairs.) 

MADAM. 

Sh!!! the Count! 

WERRA. 

(whispers.) Leave me alone with him. (Madam goes over 
r. turns. — Andrky bows to her — he comes dozvn, goes to l. 
and Madam exits up stairs.) Now I must make love to that 
scoundrel. 






ACT III.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 91 

ANDREY. 

Baroness, I have received many congratulations (at c.) on 
my engagement to Marie, but not yours. May I ask why ? 

WERRA. 

(xs r. p outing ly.) Because I'm jealous. 
ANDREY. 
Jealous? (c.) 

WERRA. 
Yes. (over 1,. of table.) 

ANDREY. 
And why? It isn't possible that you ever cared for me. 
WERRA. 

(turns on him.) If you were not a fool you could have seen 
it: 

ANDREY. 
I always thought you hated me. (c.) 
WERRA. 

Where were your eyes? I only accepted that position in 
University to be near you. Hate you! indeed, if I hated you, 
would I have kept that secret regarding Vladimir? (ly.C.) 

ANDREY. 

Hush, Werra, not so loud, (looking around.) 

WERRA. 

Oh, I can't help" it. (xing l.) You can't crush ones heart 
and ask her to remain silent. 

ANDREY. 

But my dear Werra — (hesitating) — We'll talk this matter 

over later. 

WERRA. 

Count Modjeska, you can't spring any "I'll see you later" 
gags on me. 

ANDREY. 

But, Werra, what can I do? We can't talk the matter over 
here. (i,.c.) 



92 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT III. 



WERRA. 

There's my address, {gives card.) Call any time when 
Posta is not at home. 

ANDREY. 

No, no, that would never do. You sometimes come to the 
city do you not? 

WERRA. 

Yes, occasionally I do a little shopping. 

ANDREY. 
When is your next shopping day? 

WERRA. 
To-morrow. 

ANDREY. 

To-morrow! Where — where can we meet? You are well 
known, so am I. 

WERRA. 

Fear not for me. I always wear a heavy veil when I go 
shopping, and the man that could look through that must 
have an x-ray. 

ANDREY. 

Werra, you are always jolly, and I like you. Call at my 
apartments at two. 

WERRA. 
You are not trifling with my affections. 
ANDREY. 

Trifling, far from it — my card, {gives it.) with my ad- 
dress. I'll be there. 

WERRA. 

Hst! {enter Posta R.3E. he notices Werra put the card in 
her bosom.) 

POSTA. 
Werra, I'm surprised! {xing over between them.) 
ANDREY. 

Why Posta, you act as though you were jealous about some- 
thing. 

POSTA. 

No, I'm not jealous, don't you natter yourself, (c.) 



ACT III.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 93 

ANDREY. 

(laughs.) That's right my boy, you have no cause to be. 
(going up the stairs.) You have a very charming young 
wife and I think you are exceedingly well mated, (exit r. 
top oj stairs.) 

POSTA. 

(looking after him.) You mind your own business, (down 
to Werra.) Werra, what did you hide so hastily as I came 
in? (r.c.) 

WERRA. 

(i,.c.) Why, you silly boy, it was my handkerchief. 

POSTA. 

It was not your handkerchief. It looked like a letter or 
a card. 

WERRA. 
(haughtily.) Baron! you've been drinking. 

^ POSTA. 

No, I have not, and I want to know what it was. 

WERRA. 
How dare you doubt me? (iy.c.) 

POSTA. 
If you wont answer me, I'll go and get intoxicated. 

WERRA. 

If you do, and come home drunk, you'll know what you'll 
get. (bus with muscle.) 

POSTA. 

Oh, pshaw! (sings part of any college song, exit r.ie.) 

WERRA. 

i Well, this looks as though it would end in a mess, (takes 
out card.) Count Andrey Modjeska. (laughs, holding up 
caid, and going up the stairs.) Soft, soft as butter. Umph ! 
Posta suspects, (stoops down behind railing of stairs and 
pretends to put it in her stocking. The Duke enters from 
under the stairs, looks around and sits on chair right of small 
table up back.) 



94 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT III. 

DUKE. 

I wonder where Vladimir is? Poor fellow, he has my sym- 
pathy, {he sits. Werra, who is up above him on the stairs, 
stoops over to see who it is, discovers that it is the Duke;, takes 
her slipper in hand, and as the Duke; is sitting, reflecting on 
the events that have passed, Werra takes deliberate aim with 
her slipper and throws it at the Duke;, he jumps from chair 
with a bound, goes down r. with hands above head for pro- 
tection, he turns and discovers Werra leaning over steps 
smiling?) 

DUKE. 
Why, Baroness ! What does this mean ? 

WERRA. 
{Politely) My slipper, please. 

DUKE. 

Yes, I see it; but how did it get down here ? 

WERRA. 

A mosquito bit me on the ankle. I tried to shake it off and 
my slipper flew along with it. 

DUKE. 

{Picking up slipper) I don't see any wings on it. Permit 
me to return to the adorable Cinderella, her magic slipper. 
{tries to give it to her, but she is up too high.) 

WERRA. 

Oh, Romeo! Romeo! my bald head Romeo, {with mock 
pathos?) 

DUKE. 
{same spirit.) Ah! it is the yeast and Juliet is the sun! 

WERRA. 
Ah me! {strikes pose and sighs.) 

DUKE. 

She speaks. O, speak again, bright angel. (WERRA sighs) 
She speaks, yet she says nothing, {turning and going down 
R.) 



ACT III.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 95 



WERRA. 

Stay! stay, my Romeo, do not desert me now, thy Juliet 
has — oh!!! 

DUKE. 

{turns.) What has my Juliet? 

WERRA. 

A pain. I stepped on a tack. Oh! oh! oh! {limping down 
the stairs.) 

DUKE. 

{turning down r. with mock emotion.) Ah! my Juliet has 
a pain, a pain — 

WERRA. 

{down on stage over l. and standing on one foot.) Say, are 
you going to keep me standing here all night on one foot 
like a rooster? 

DUKE. 

But what can I do? 

WERRA. 

What do they do when they find a nail in a horses hoof — 
they pull it out don't they? {hopping toward chair i,.) 

DUKE. 

I beg your pardon, {bowing) sit right there. (Duke has 
Werra's shoe in his hand. WERRA sits and the Duke kneels 
beside her, takes her foot, examines it.) There's no tack 
there. 

WERRA. 

Yes there is, look again. Whou! you tickle me. {laughs. 
Enter Posta up c. under stairway, catches Duke examining 
his wife's foot!) 

DUKE. 

{embarassed ) I beg your pardon, Baroness. 

POSTA. 

{comes down between them) No, but beg mine you old 
rascal. Sir! this is an outrage. What do you mean? 



96 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT III. 

DUKE. 

(backing, hi great surprise.) What do I mean? Why, 
Baron, I can explain — 

POST A. 

Scoundrel! explain if you can. You hold evidence against 
yourself in your own hand. 

DUKE. 

But, my dear Baron. (r.C.) 

POSTA. 

Silence! if you were not an old man, I'd challenge you to 
a duel. As for you, Madame, from the moment that you hid 
that card, I suspected you, now I see I was right, and not 
only one man, but two. 

WERRA. 

{rising) But my darling. 

POSTA. 

Don't darling me. I shall never see you again until we 
meet in a divorce court, (runs up the stairs) Remember, in 
a divorce court, in a divorce court, (exit.) 

WERRA. 

In a divorce court! and he intends to make me a widow, yes, 
(dramatically) and it's all your fault. 

DUKE. 
My fault! mine! (r.c.) 

WERRA. 

Yes, yours. Give me that slipper and let me go. (she 
takes slipper from Duke's hand, xs over r. to couch.) I hate 
you, you old bald-headed masher, (sitting on couch r. put- 
ting on slipper.) 

DUKE. 
Masher! masher! why, what do you mean by that word? 
WERRA. 

I mean that you tried to flirt with me on the staircase. 
Didn't you call me your Cinderella? (xing to him, and then 
with emotion) Oh, Posta! Posta! I loved you so much and 
now, oh! oh! (staggers and about to fall in faint, and the 
Duke catches her at centre.) 



ACT III.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 97 



DUKE. 

Good heavens, she's fainted, {enter Posta and Minister 
of Police at top of stairs, they are about to go down when 
Posta sees the Duke with his zvife in his arms, immediately 
the idea flashes on his mind that here is actual evidence, he 
turns around to the Minister with gestures and pantomime 
of ''there, what did I tell you," this is kept up until the audi- 
ence fully takes in the situution and then they exit. Woe 
begone expression on the Dvkts's face. Shakes het a couple 
of times.) Werra! Werra! Baroness! Oh, where are those 
confounded attendants, {he shakes her again and Werra is 
still limp, he finally drags her over to seat or couch r. tries 
to make her sit up, he imagines he has succeeded and starts to 
look for attendants, and as he gets c. Werra has lost her 
balance and the Duke rushes to her aid just in time to pre- 
vent her falling on the floor.) Not a soul anywhere, {he 
balances her again, and once more starts to look for the attend- 
dants, this time Werra falls face downward on sofa, the 
Duke hastens to her side, lifts her up.) Heavens she'll suffo- 
cate, {makes her sit up again, and finally he sits with his 
back to her; Werra opens her eyes and moves a little, and 
the Duke rises.) Ah! she's reviving, thank the Uord. 

WERRA. 

{who has been feigning all the time, partially revives.) 
Where — where am I? {the Duke has risen and is on her t,. 
she observes him.) Oh, it's you, is it? {she follows him and 
he retreats) It's all your fault, you have separated me from 
my husband, you — you — {at c. faints again and the Duke 
once more catches her.) 

DUKE. 

Oh, Uord ! (He looks around in agony for help, sees it is 
no use and tries to drag her over to couch again, he can't do 
it, hesitates and then boldly lifts her in his arms — meantime 
Werra on coming to has taken her train in her hand, and by 
doing so it is out of the way when Duke raises her in this 
scene — the Duke staggers under her weight and starts for 
stah case, as he does so, Posta comes down and they meet at 
bottom of staircase.) 

POSTA. 

^ Oh, you old pirate ! It's all your fault; wait on her, that's 
right take her in your arms; oh, this beautiful evidence, I'll 
see my lawyer, I'll see him at once. (Posta exits L.3E. Duke 
in meantime helping Werra up and looking at Posta as if 
to ask help, he gets Werra up to the middle of stairs, as she 
reaches there she stands on her feet, turns around to Duke.) 



98 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT III. 

WERRA. 

Thanks, Duke, you are awfully kind. Ta, ta. (waves her 
hand and exits Laughing — Duke looks at her in amazement, 
pauses.) 

DUKE. 

(In disgusts Oh, hell 1 (goes down stairs) that girl is a 
vixen, (mopping his brozv) That's the toughest time I've 
had since the war. (exit i,.2E.) (Music.) 

MARIE. 

(Enters from head of stairs) I cannot stay within and hear 
their songs of love while my heart is slowly breaking, (down 
steps, and going over near table ±,.) Oh, Vladimir, Vladimir. 

VLADIMIR. 

(Who has entered under stairs, pale and agitated) Who 
called my name? (looks and discovers Marie, the moment 
she sees Vladimir she starts for the stairs again slowly, he 
intercepts her) Stay, Marie, I had to see you once again, it 
seems as though I had some horrible dream, and yet — tell me 
Marie, do you really love the Count Modjeska? Speak! ans- 
wer me? 

MARIE. 

(at table t,.) Yes. (with effort.) 

VLADIMIR. 

But not an hour ago, you swore that you loved me. 

MARIE. 

I did. But my mother made me realize the folly of such 
a step. 

VLADIMIR. 

Folly, folly! That is what you call it? 

MARIE. 
Vladimir, my fortune demands that I marry a man of rank. 

VLADIMIR. 
Rank! then it is the title that you marry and not the man? 

MARIE. 
Title, title only, (iv.c.) 



ACT III.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 99 

VLADIMIR. 

My God! and 3^011 say this to me, you, Marie! Is heart 
nothing, affection nothing, soul nothing, but title all? (r.c.) 

MARIE. 

{with effort) Oh! I can endure this no longer. Good bye, 
Vladimir, {offers her hand.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Vladimir! There is no such man. Vladimir, the man who 
loved you with all his heart and soul is dead, and in his place 
there stands a being absolutely souless — Go! (Marie looks at 
him, and then slowly goes up the stairs, Vladimir xs over 
1,. his eye still on Marie as she approaches near the top of 
the stairs, he turns around, facing audience, Marie throws 
a kiss to him, Vladimir takes rose from button hole and 
crushes it to peices, Marie observes this and exits with a sigh 
of regret, Vladimir sits in chair r. of table over l. in deep 
thought and prof oundly stirred.) The Nihilists are right! 
All titles should be destroyed. The veil has been rent 
asunder and the angels of aristocracy are but painted spectres, 
grasping for titles and for gold. (Gregory enter r. ie full 
evening dress, at same time Karol enters L-3E and goes down 
to L.IE.) 

GREGORY. 

Why Vladimir, old boy! welcome! (Vladimir xs to him 
and both shake hands at c.) What are you doing here to- 
night? 

VLADIMIR. 
Gregory, {observes Karol) Who is that man ? 

GREGORY. 
An attache and a friend of mine. 

VLADIMIR. 

Friend enough to be trusted — in all things ? In all, remem- 
ber ? 

GREGORY. 

In all. 

VLADIMIR. 

Are you still a Nihilist ? (Karol starts over r. a trifle.) 

LofC. 



ioo THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT III. 

GREGORY. 
{Pause) Yes. (Karol starts up stage to watch) 

VLADIMIR. 
Posta and Count Modjeska? 

GREGORY. 

Posta, has withdrawn honorably, Modjeska, is a traitor. 
Why do you ask ? 

VLADIMIR. 

Because, I now believe in Nihilism, {xing l.) 

GREGORY. 
What has changed your views? (R.c.) 

VLADIMIR. 

The cursed aristocracy which fills this building to-night. 
I wish to join your Brotherhood, {xing to c.) 

GREGORY. 

I'll take you at your word, I know you mean it. {Shakes 
hands with Vladimir) Karol — a brother worker. (Karol 
comes down l. and shakes hands with Vladimir) Our work 
begins to-night. 

VLADIMIR. 

To-night ! So much the better. 

GREGORY. 

The Czar will soon be here. This part of the Opera House 
is unprotected, Karol alone keeps watch. There is a fuse 
under the railing of those stairs, (Karol points — Gregory 
up c.) the moment it strikes that piller at the top of the 
stairs, {pointing up R.3E.) which is filled with gun cotton 
and dynamite, it will wreck this part of the building, and at 
the same time explode under the royal box. 

VLADIMIR. 

But why bother with the fuse, why not light the powder 
direct at the piller above ? (c.) 

GREGORY. 

To give the man who lights the fuse a chance to escape, (r.c)- 



ACT III.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 101 

KAROL. 

{On stairs, low and intense) No chance at all. {bugle 
heard off l.) The Czar ! 

VLADIMIR. 

Will he come this way ? 

KAROL. 

No, look! (Vladimir goes up on stairs) He is crossing 
the corridor and will go to the opera by the private staircase. 

VLADIMIR. 

Whose duty is it to light the fuse? {on stairs.) 

GREGORY. 

{over-R.) These dice will decide. (Karol goes down l. of 
table, Gregory goes r. of table l. and Vladimir c. of table. 
Gregory takes dice from pocket and throws.) Twelve! 
(Karol takes dice and throws.) 

KAROL. 
Fourteen. 

GREGORY. 
It's mine. 

VLADIMIR. 
No, no, not yours, .but mine. 

KAROL AND GREGORY. 
Yours! 

VLADIMIR. 

Yes. {to Gregory) You have a sister and must live, I 
have no one and will die gladly. What is the signal? (c.) 

KAROL. 
Wait a moment, {darts up stage on stairs, looks off left.) 

GREGORY. 

You will hear a bugle call; on the third call, light the fuse. 
Good bye. {extends hand, VXadimir takes it.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Good bye. This night will end it all. 



102 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT III. 

KAROL. 

(comes down l,. of Vladimir.) You are brave. But you 
understand that the man who lights the fuse must perish 
with the rest. 

VLADIMIR. 

Yes, yes I know — I'll do it. 

KAROL. 

Good bye. (xing to l.ie.) Remember, at the third call of 
the bugle. 

VLADIMIR. 

It shall be done on the third call. (Karoi, exits i*.iE. 
Vladimir goes up on stairs, looks off R.3KO Open wide 
your ears, listen attentively to every note, you are listening 
to your dirge. (Bugle call away in the distance) The first ! 
I am resolved ! It must be done, (down from stairs) To per- 
dition with the aristocracy who laugh at the nameless poor. 
To-night, I and the devil will laugh, and we will all laugh as 
we reel through space to find the grave — the grave. Oh, 
Marie, Marie ! (xing over extreme r.) 

DUCHESS. 

(Enter at top of stairs) Oh, this punishment is more than I 
can bear; but I brought it on myself, upon myself. (Sees 
Vladimir) Vladimir ! (goes down to c.) Vladimir, are you 
angry with me ? 

VLADIMIR. 

Angry ! What right has an outcast to be angry with a 
Duchess? (xing i,.) 

DUCHESS. 
I came to offer sympathy. (r.C.) 

VLADIMIR. 
I want no sympathy, I want Marie, (at 1,.) 

DUCHESS. 
My boy, it cannot be. 

VLADIMIR. 

Indeed ! (xing to her) Then why did you bring me up with 
her, teach - me to love her, and now, when the gates of Para- 
dise are open for me to enter, you come and close them and 
all because I have no title, (xing 1,.) 



ACT III.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 103 

DUCHESS. 

No, no, not that, you wrong me. (c.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Perhaps it was my mother's crime that moved you. Speak, 
was that the reason ? 

DUCHESS. 

(Gasps) Yes, it was. {bugle call heard.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Then let me tell you, Duchess, that nature will not let the 
son stand idly by and hear his mother slandered. The 
charges that you made against her, failed to peirce my heart, 
and as this is our last meeting on earth, let me tell you, 
Duchess Alexis, that you have lied to me, that you have lied. 

DUCHESS. 

Oh, Vladimir, you dont know what you are saying. (Back 
offstage the Pilgrims chorus from Tannhauser is heard if 
desired. Bugle call.) 

VLADIMIR. 

The third. Now, Duchess Alexis, I shall blow the Russian 
aristocracy to atoms and send them all to Hell, (darts over 
to iy.2K. takes the single candle and swinging around to r. 
the candle goes out, then going up stairs, he takes the small 
candelabra with 4 or 5 lighted candles in his hand, the Duch- 
ess meantime xs over i<. after him and as he swings around 
up stage) 

DUCHESS. 

No, no, my boy, not that, not that, (over i,. back of table.) 

VLADIMIR. 

(wildly) Now, Duchess Alexis, I shall illuminate St. Peters- 
burg with the grandest display of fireworks, that the world 
has ever seen. (Starts the fuse.) 

DUCHESS. 

For God's sake don't, don't commit murder. (Vladimir 
has touched the fuse under railing of stairs and it statts) 

VLADIMIR. 

Too late, too late, it starts. (Vi,adieir follows it up Hairs 
and Duchess following clinging to his arm and trying to get 
at the fuse) 



io4 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT III. 

DUCHESS. 

(In desperation) No, no, think of Marie. 

VLADIMIR. 

(unmindful of her, watching the burning fuse and keeping 
Duchess at arms length) Yes, I think of her in the arms of 
her lover, laughing at the man she duped. Look, (in 
triumph) it's on its journey, the journey of death. 

DUCHESS. 

For God's sake ! for your mother's sake, (increasing in- 
tensity) 

VLADIMIR. 

(Angrily) I have no mother, she died upon the scaffold a 
vulgar criminal, and I am her son. 

DUCHESS. 
No, no, she was not a criminal, your mother lives. 

VLADIMIR. 
Lives! Where? (up on middle platform.) 

DUCHESS. 

Here ! I am your mother, (the bomb noiv is very near top 
pi Her.) 

VLADIMIR. 

My mother ! My God, the bomb ! (rushes up remaining 
stairs, and just as the fuse is about to reach the ptller, he tears 
it from railing and with burning fuse in hand, turns to his 
mother who is on cenfre landing with arms out-stretched^) 
Mother ! Thank God ! Thank God ! (embraces his mother, 
with burning fuse still in hand, the orchestra plays "God save 
the Czar," and 

CUR TAIN. 

On second curtain, Vladimir throws burning fuse on stage 
and then embraces his mother again. 

CURTAIN. 



ACT IV.l THE VOICE OF NATURE. 105 



ACT IV. 

SAME SCENE AS ACT SECOND. THE FOLLOWING EVENING. 

A lighted lamp on table r v . — One candelabra and five candles 
burning in room L-3E- — Two dress suit cases on sofa. At 
Rise, knocking heard outside by Posta — Pause. 

POSTA. 

(outside.) Vladimir! Vladimir! {knocking at door) Vlad- 
imir! (door opens and Posta looks inside) Not at home, eh? 
{enters) Strange! (goes dozan r. observes dress suitcase) 
Everything packed, evidently for a hasty departure. I'll 
leave a note asking him to call, (goes over to table 1,. and 
turns up lamp. He writes, facing audience. Knock heard, 
Posta writes on.) Come in! (knocking heard) Come in, 
come in, you infernal blockhead, (as he says "come in" the 
Duke enters and hears the words "infernal blockhead'''' 
the Duke stands at door indignantly. Posta after pause, 
turns atound and is surprised to find the Duke there, he rises 
at once in confusion.) I beg your pardon. 

DUKE. 

(angrily) Never mind, I came to see Vladimir, but since 
you are here, may I ask what you meant by sending this 
afternoon, a lawyers letter in which you name me as one of 
the witnesses in a divorce suit against your wife? 

POSTA. 
I had a right to do so. 

DUKE. 
(down c.) A right! a right! 

POSTA. 

What provoked that interesting situation, in which I dis- 
covered you and my wife? What made Count Modjeska give 
her a card, which she hastily concealed when she saw me? 
What made her visit a locksmith to-day, get an assortment 
of keys and walk deliberately to Count Modjeska's apart- 
ments? 

DUKE. 

How the devil should I know? I'm not a detective. 



106 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT IV. 

POSTA. 

I'm convinced of her guilt with Count Modjeska and I — I — 
would have made any sacrifice to have made her happy. Oh, 
Duke! Duke! (sits at table, buries his face in hands. Enter 
Werra, Duke down r. confused, he looks at Werra, she 
calls him over, the Duke goes quietly over to her, as he gets 
close to her, she straightens up and says sternly) 

WERRA. 

Don't touch me. (backs azvay ft om him, Posta jumps up 
with a start, sees Werra, thinks that Duke has insulted his 
wife.) 

POSTA. 
(sternly) How dare you touch my wife? 

WERRA. 
You can't kiss me. (with mock indignity .) 

DUKE. 
Kiss you — why — 

POSTA. 
You old scoundrel, you dare insult my wife. 
DUKE. 

(In desperation) Oh, your wife be — blessed. You're crazy 
the both of you. (he goes up c. to door, WERRA xs around 
to r.) You are well matched and mated, and ought to be in 
a lunatic asylum. That's my opinion, and frankly expressed. 
(he exits with a bang of the door.) 

POSTA. 
That means damn, (over l.) 

WERRA. 
Yes, a wooden damn, (r.) 

POSTA. 
Woman, how dare you stand there and smile after breaking 
my heart. 

WERRA. 

I couldn't break your heart — with an axe. What's the mat- 
ter with you any way ? (Posta sits down on chair iv. in ex- 
treme disgust, Werra xs over to him, looks at him) Well, 
can't you say something? Umph ! You're as sociable as an 
iceberg. Are you going to the Musical this evening ? (Posta 



ACT IV. 1 THE VOICE OF NATURE. 107 

turns around in disgust) Oh, you needn't grunt like a pig. 
Can't you answer a civil question, or are you too busy admir- 
ing your big feet? (no answer from Posta) Oh, you're a 
horrid brute of a man, I shall never speak to you again. 
(stamps foot and goes up to door, pauses, looks around, comes 
down a trifie) I'm sure I won't speak to you for a month ! (a 
little nearer) I — I — I am quite positive that I shan't speak to 
you for a week, (half crying, turns to go again, then faces 
him once more throws herself at his feet and says passionate- 
ly) Oh, Posta, what is the matter ? 

POSTA. 

Let me alone. You know full well — (WERRA places arms 
a: ound his neck, Posta takes them, off) Go and hug Count 
Modjeska. 

WERRA. 

Count Modjeska ! (thinks a moment, then solves mystery — 
laughing) Oh, I see you've been watching me. (goes down r) 

POSTA. 

(Rising) Yes, I have; and to think you could betray me 
so basely. 

WERRA. 

Ah, don't be silly; have patience enough until to-morrow, 
then you'll know how much I love you. Why, I love you so 
deeply, that if you were to die, I couldn't part with you. 

POSTA. 
You dear darling, what would you do? 

WERRA. 
I'd have you stuffed. (Posta disgusted.) 

POSTA. 
Stuffed ! (goes 1,. Werra follows him.) 

WERRA. 

Ah, you wouldn't like that would you ? Perhaps you would 
rather have me preserve you in the ice chest ? (knock at door) 
Come in. (knock still louder) Come, which will you have, 
stuffed or the ice chest ? (Posta disgusted, Werra goes over 
r. laughing — knock heard again) Come in ! (angrily) (Enter 
Andrev very much excited^} 

POSTA. 

(Excitedly) Well, what do you want here ? 



io8 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT IV. 



ANDREY. 

(c.) I want the documents that your wife stole from my 
room. 

POSTA. 

What ! that my wife stole ? My wife could never be guilty 
of such a thing. 

WERRA. 

Yes, I am. That's why I went there, and you accused me 
with being in love with such a blackmailer. 

ANDREY. 

{Enraged, steps forward) Baroness ! 

POSTA. 
Hold on ! 

WERRA. 

Let him alone. Posta, allow me to settle accounts with 
this — this — well, to quote the English poet, "God made him 
for a man and therefore push him along." {over r.) 

ANDREY. 

I have no time to waste. I want those stolen documents 
and I'll return your keys. 

WERRA. 

I don't want them, they wouldn't fit. Throw them out 
the window, and take a dive yourself. 

ANDREY. 

There are your keys, {throwing them down) Those docu- 
ments will do you little good. Marie will never marry Vlad- 
imir, the Duchess will never consent, if she does I shall 
betray her secret to her husband and the aristocracy. 

WERRA. 

And I will swear that I overheard you threaten the Duchess 
that unless she gave you Marie in marriage, you would in- 
vent that vile story and accuse her of it. 

ANDREY. 

Would you take your oath to such a falsehood? (c.) 

WERRA. 

To get you hanged I'd swear to anything. 



ACT IV.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 109 

ANDREY. 
What does your husband say to such a wife? 

WERRA. 

(commanding ly) Posta, answer him? 

POSTA. 

My wife is an ideal woman, can do no wrong, and I will 
verify anything she may say. (over i,.) 

WERRA. 

In other words anything that I say, goes. We will now 
excuse you. I have the documents and you cannot prove 
that Vladimir is her son. 

ANDREY. 

You are mistaken. The Duchess wrote me four letters in 
which she repeatedly calls Vladimir her rightful son. 

WERRA. 
(eagerly) They wern't in the desk. 

ANDREY. 
Yes, they were, (smiling in triumph, backs up 1,.) 

WERRA. 

Oh!! I could punch my head, (enter Madame Kramoun 
in haste, does not observe Andrby, but on seeing Werra) 



Oh, Baroness! The Duchess and Marie are coming here 
and — (sees Andrey and stops.) 

ANDREY. 

It's all right. I shall be here too, and unless Marie be- 
comes my wife I shall report a court scandal, and what is 
more, prove it. (bows and exits.) 

MADAM. 
What does he mean? 

WERRA. 
He means — bing — a knock out — 
POSTA. 
Oh, pshaw! how can he ruin the Duchess? 



no THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT IV. 

WERRA. 

There, there, that's enough, don't ask any silly questions, 
wait till to-morrow, in the meantime keep, your mouth shut. 
Follow that rascal, find out what he does and then report to 
me Attention! forward march. (Posta salutes, makes turn, 
marches to door.) Halt! left about face — forward march! 
(he marches to her) halt! kiss me, (he kisses her) kiss again. 
(he kisses her) Double quick. (kisses her twice) March! 
(Posta marches c. and ojf.) That's the sort of a husband to 
have. 

MADAM. 

How can you be so light hearted? (over r.) 

WERRA. 

Oh, if I didn't have some fun now and then I'd have the 
bicycle fever. 

MADAM. 

Does the Count know that we have stolen the paper? 

WERRA. 

Yes, but the documents don't save us, the Duchess wrote 
him letters acknowledging Vladimir as her son and that 
upsets our plans. 

MADAM. 
What's to be done? 

WERRA. 
Does the Duchess still believe Marie is her daughter? 

MADAM. 
Yes. 

WERRA. 
To-night you must tell her it isn't so. 

MADAM. 
No, no I dare not. 

WERRA. 

Then if you won't, I will. (Madam about to remonstrate) 
Yes, I will, (jingling of bells heard outside.) 

MADAM. 

It's the Duchess ! She's coming here to meet Vladimir. 



ACT IV.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. in 

WERRA. 
Detain Marie till I speak to the Duchess alone. 

MADAM. 
But you will not show her the documents? 

WERRA. 

When the time comes I'll call you. (Madam exits, Werra 
takes out documents and examines them) This promises to 
be a lively evening. How it will all end, {sighs) the Lord 
only knows, {enter Duchkss pale and nervoics.) 

DUCHESS. 

Ah, Baroness, Vladimir is not here — I dread to meet him; I 
feel that this meeting will be the crisis of our lives, {xing l.) 

WERRA. 

You must be calm, Duchess, you'll need all your courage to 
go through this evening's ordeal. 

DUCHESS. 

{Walking about nervously) I know, I know, I shall never 
forget the look which spread over his face, when I confessed 
that I was his mother. I'm afraid, afraid that he despises me. 
{over l,. and sinking in chair.) 

WERRA. 

Duchess, is it true that you wrote letters to Count Modjeska, 
in which you acknowledged Vladimir as your son ? 

DUCHESS. 

Yes. Why ? 

WERRA. 

Unless you consent to his marriage with Marie, he means 
ta disgrace you by publishing them. 

DUCHESS. 

{Looks at Werra — pause — overcome with emotion) Yes, 
Yes, I know. Oh, my God, {rising) what can I do, {xing 
R.) what can be done — 

WERRA. 

Ssh ! ! I hear some one. {goes to door, opens it, Duchess 
xs over i,. again) It's Vladimir, I'll leave you alone with 
him. {exits door c.) 



THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT IV. 



DUCHESS. 

What can I say? What excuse can I make? {sinks in chair) 
Oh, Vladimir! Vladimir! {enter Vladimir c. evening dress y 
long cloak, very pale. Snow storm begins outside, he re- 
mains for a moment on threshold, he advances slowly, and 
after a pause, he goes down r.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Duchess! 

DUCHESS. 

{rises with expression of anguish on her face, disappointed 
in the fact that he has not called her mother, she turns slowly 
to him — he is cold and impassive.) Is there no other name 
that you could call me? 

VLADIMIR. 

Duchess, the very walls have ears and if the world knew 
of our relationship — 

DUCHESS. 

{rising) Let them know. I have wronged you long 
enough. I must now protect you. 

VLADIMIR. 

I shall always remain what I have been, the caprice of fate 
has robbed me of my name, and it's iron will cannot be re- 
sisted. 

DUCHESS. 

I'm sorry for you, Vladimir, I'm sorry for Marie. 

VLADIMIR. 
It was a crushing blow, (knock at door) Who's there? 

GREGORY. 
(outside) Gregory. 

VLADIMIR. 
Come in. 

GREGORY. 

{enters pale and excited, comes down c.) I come to warn 
you, the plot has been discovered, the half burned fuse was 
found, Karol was arrested, he swore that Count Modjeska set 
the fuse and then fearing torture, committed suicide. 

VLADIMIR. 



Do they suspect us? {over r.) 



ACT IV.] THE VOICE OF NATURE- 113 

GREGORY. 

No, only Count Modjeska and me. I must depart at once, 
but have no fear, I will never betray you. 

VLADIMIR. 
Have you any funds? 

GREGORY. 
Enough to see me across the border. 

VLADIMIR. 
Wait a moment, {exits r.ik.) 

DUCHESS. 
How did you obtain passports? 

GREGORY. 

I secured them long ago in case of emergency. 

DUCHESS. 

Give me your hand, (he does so) I saved your life once. 
Promise me to abandon Nihilism, tho' the cause be just, to 
assassinate is a crime, promise me? 

GREGORY. 

I promise, (bows, enter Vladimir with a purse.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Here, take this money. (Gregory acting as though re- 
fusing it.) You must — go to Berlin, I will meet you there 
next month. 

DUCHESS. 

(in surprise) You!! 

VLADIMIR. 

Yes, good bye, Gregory, (shakes hands with him, Greg- 
ory goes to door.) 

GREGORY. 

(turns at door) Good bye, now for a new land and a new 
life, (exit.) 

DUCHESS. 

Are you going away too? (over 1,.) 



ii 4 TH E VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT IV. 

VLADIMIR. 
Yes, I have obtained a leave of absence and will go abroad. 
DUCHESS. 



For how long? 
Perhaps, for ever. 



VLADIMIR. 



DUCHESS. 



But why, why? (Vladimir hesitates) Is it on account of 
Marie? 

VLADIMIR. 

Yes. For although she is my half sister, God forgive me, 
I love her still. 

DUCHESS. 

(horrorfied) Oh, Vladimir, {going to i,. and sinking in 
chair.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Yes, mother, I cannot help it, the thought of Marie be- 
coming Count Modjeska's wife drives me frantic. (Duchess 
bows head on table, showing by her hands, her great agita- 
tion, Marie enters softly up back and goes downs..) Mother, 
we must part at once. (Duchess extends right hand.) Say 
good bye to Marie for me and tell her that I — (Vladimir 
turns and discovers Marie. Werra enters.) 

MARIE. 

You were going away and did not even intend to see me. 
(Madam enters, xs down r.) 

WERRA. 
Don't worry, Marie, he'll not go away, at least, not yet. (c.) 

DUCHESS. 
(Rising and turning) What do you mean ? (l.J 

WERRA. 

You know that I'm a plain blunt woman, (Andrey appears 
in door) I don't waste much words, but I get to the point; 
therefore, prepare yourself for a shcck. You believe that 
Marie is related to Vladimir, but it's not so. 

DUCHESS. 

Not so ? Why child, this is absurd. 



ACT IV.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 



WERRA. 



No, it's not. Madam Kramolin can explain, she has the 
documents. Your child Marie, was killed by an accident. 

DUCHESS. 

My God ! 

VLADIMIR. 

Then there is no obstacle to my marrying Marie ? 

ANDREY. 

(Coming down c.) Yes, there is; a court scandal will pre- 
vent it, and these letters from the Duchess, will prove my 
case. 

VLADIMIR. 

Then you are the man who holds my mother in your pow- 
er. (i,.c.) 

ANDREY. 
(c.) Yes, and I intend to keep her there. 

WERRA. 
(to Madam.) Help me to find Posta. (she exits with 
Madam.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Give me those letters, (c.) 

ANDREY. 

These letters are not for you nor the Duchess, they are for 
the Duke, (xing over r.) 

DUCHESS. 

Oh, I've endured this agony long enough, I'll not be a 
coward any longer. I shall tell him myself. Marie, drive to 
the Palace and request the Duke to come here at once. 
(Marie exits c.) 

ANDREY. 
And Marie, tell the Duke to prepare himself for a shock. 

VLADIMIR. 
The Duke will never hear a word from your lying lips, (c.) 

ANDREY. 
What do you mean? (r.) 

VLADIMIR, 
(c.) Mother, leave us. 



u6 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT IV. 

DUCHESS. 
No! I have deserted you long enough, I shall remain. 

VLADIMIR. 
For the last time, give those letters to the Duchess. 

ANDREY. 
I told you once before, no. 

VLADIMIR. 

Very well. Then I shall take them from you. {going up 
to door, locks it.) 

ANDREY. 
What are you doing? 

VEADIMIR. 
You shall never leave this room alive, {taking off coat.) 

ANDREY. 
What do you mean, murder? 

VLADIMIR. 

No, not murder, {taking down sword from wall) but for 
insults which you have heaped upon my mother I intend to 
kill you. 

ANDREY. 

I'll not fight you. 

VLADIMIR. 

You must fight, {throwing down J oil to him — over r.) 
Come, defend yourself. Come, you insulter of defenceless 
women, pick it up, pick it up I say, and fight a man. (Andrey 
takes off coat.) 

DUCHESS. 

{Up back at i,.c.) No, Vladimir, leave that man to the law, 
the Duke will soon be here, and I will explain all. {at c.) 

VLADIMIR. 

No need of that, mother, I'll get those letters, {xing over 
L. to prepare, Vladimir over l. and Andrey r. — they work 
around so that Vladimir gets over r. then he makes three 
lunges in quick succession which are parried by Andrey , then 



ACT IV.] THE VOICE OF NATURE. 117 

Vladimir makes a jumping lunge which parried by Andrey, 
who immediately takes the offensive and hinges three times 
\t Vladimir following it up right away with a jumping 
lunge, Vladimir successfully parries vnd makes a thrust at 
Andkey, by this time Andrey is over at the table l. and 
seeing that he is unable to cope with Vladimir, knocks the 
lighted lamp which is upon the table to the floor, it falls with 
a crash and all is darkness. The Duchess has followed the 
bout eagerly and is centre when lamp falls to stage, Vladi- 
mir is down r.c. Andrey over l. back of table.) 

DUCHESS. 

Vladimir! do not stir, (all lights are out, theatre, in entire 
darkness— pause. Loud knocking heard at door c. again 
and again.) 

MINISTER. 

(Outside) Is Count Modjeska within? (knocking heard a- 
gain) Open the door ! Open the door in the name of the 
Czar, (pause) (Duchess ivho has made her exit into room 
L-3E. returns with a lighted candelabra and with the aid of 
the light the fighting is renewed, the moment they start, the 
knocking continues louder and louder with an occasional 
"Come, come, open the door" "Open the door I say" — The 
men move around, Andrey to r. and Vladimir l. and they 
move cautiously around again so that Andrey is up stage in 
direction of window, then Vladimir lunges and drives him 
up i?ito the window, knocks sword from his hand, Andrey 
from the start has kept the letters in his hand, he is grasped 
by Vladimir who struggles with him to secure the papers, he 
finally does so and Andrey loses his balance and topples out 
through centre pane of glass into street below, the snow storm 
beats in furiously and as he falls out through window, the 
Duchess backs in horror down r. Vladimir up in the 
window turns in triumph with papers in hand.) 

VLADIMIR. 

Now, mother, your secret is safe. (Duchess turns on chan- 
dilier from button over l. at fire place. The door is burst 
open with a crash, the Minister of Police enters, followed 
by Marie zvho goes over l. and then the Duke enters and 
comes down r. #/" Minister, two cossocks at door.) 

MINISTER. 
Where is Count Modjeska? (down r.) 



n8 THE VOICE OF NATURE. [ACT IV. 



VLADIMIR. 

(Coining down c.) You'll find him in the street, below. 
(Minister exits.) 

DUKE. 

You have sent for me Duchess, what is the matter ? (over r) 

DUCHESS. 

(Ovet x,.) I sent for you to tell you that — (in great distress 
and really unable to tell, Vladimir notices it and comes to 
her rescue.) 

VLADIMIR. 

The Duchess has sent for you, to tell you that at last, she 
has consented to my marriage with Marie. (Marie goes into 
his arms from i,. Werra, Posta and Madam appear in 
door.) 

DUKE. 

Good ! I'm damn glad of it. (shakes his hand — Marie al- 
ready in Vladimir's arms. Congratulations all around as 
the curtain drops) 

CURTAIN. 



PROPERTIES. 

ACT I. 

2 Alarm clocks, one on mantel over L. the other off stage L.2E. 
Bucket of water on chair, near fireplace. Sauce pan on table, also 3 
cups. Knives, forks and saucers on mantel. Bag of nutshells on 
chair at easel, small wash-stand on table t,. Chafing dish on mantel. 
Towel on upper part of mantel. Fire-place bare, as though poverty 
stricken. Old chandelier C. Easel up R. Lock on all doors. Tin 
dipper over L- at bucket. 3 eggs in a paper bag on mantel. Book 
made to represent bomb (red.) Bottle with wine in it, at foot of right 
leg of table over left. Salt cellar and pepper on table left. Knobs 
on all doors. Letter for Posta. Folding bed representing upright 
piano. Hassock. Two pillows, mattress, blankets, sheets. 2 large 
launder baskets, one of them covered with a curtain filled with any- 
thing. In the other, 2 curtains, 2 petticoats, 2 night robes, 1 pair of 
red stockings. Carriage effect off stage ready on cue. Key in door 
left. 2 pictures of ballet girls, on the opposite side, maps. Portrait 
of Vladimir's mother. 4 common chairs. 50 large books. 12 cigar 
boxes. 30 empty bottles. Large curtains on windows. Oil stove 
lighted. Frying pan. 

ACT II. 

Same scene as before, but as handsome as possible. Marble clock 
for mantel. Small tap bell on table L. Roses for Marie. Fan and 
gloves for Marie. Red stocking for Duke. Deep toned bell off stage 
Key in door centre, (this positive) Handsome portiers. Elegant 
mantle with mirror on top. Piano over right. Beautiful table. Pic- 
ture of St. Cecelia. Photo of Marie on small easel. Rich furniture. 
Medallion down centre. Book case. Writing desk with pen, ink, 
papers, documents. Piano lamp. Electric chandelier ready to light. 

The candelabra candles ready to light. 4 rugs, and brick-a-brac. 
Anything that will make this scene rich and tasty. 

ACT III 

Divan right. Table and 2 chairs left. Table and 2 chairs up centre 
(these tables and chairs all gold or gold and white.) Bomb and piece 
of fuse attached. 3 dice for Gregory. 10 large palms. Candelabra 
with candles lighted on small table up C. and on small table up on 
platform. 4 or 5 candles Single candlestick over L.2E. 

ACT IV. 

Bunch of keys for Count Purse for Vladimir. Papers for Werra. 
Writing materials for table over left with paper, ink and pens. 4 
letters for Count. Hat rack at door centre. 2 foils up centre on wall 
near hat rack. Lamp lighted on table left, it is the only light on 
stage. Have ready at left third entrance, off stage, a lighted candel- 
abra, have that door closed at left third entrance, during all the 
scene, but not locked. 2 dress suit cases on sofa over right. Notice 
The book case, hatrack foils and all the other furniture for this act 
should be on in the second act, making this act and the second the 
same. Have small button over fire place near the left first entrance 
in easy reach, and when that is turned the electric chandelier lights 
up. Have glass crash ready at left fifth entrance for effect when 
Count falls out through window. Also have snow effect ready back 
of window. Door crash for Minister of Police when he breaks 
through door. 

COSTUMES. 

Russian, and at present time. 



MUSIC PLOT. 

Drinking song for rise. 

No. 2 Cue — "Stop! stop! I say." Play mysterious until Minister of 
Police finally exits. 

No. 3 At Vladimir's exit with Marie, andante till Duchess is off. 

No. 4 When Duke discovers pictures on wall, lively till curtain. 
ACT II. 

For rise — The Russian National Anthem through once. 

No 6 When knock is heard outside centre door, mysterious until 
Nihilists are off 

No. 7 When shot is fired repeat No. 6 till Gregory exits and then 
segue Andante till Duchess off stage. 

No. 8 When Marie locks door, Andante till curtain. 
ACT III. 

No. 9 For rise. Toreador song from Carmen. 

No. io When Vladimir and Marie on stage alone, Andante till 
laugh outside. 

No. ii Cue — "Since the war." Repeat Andante till Marie off stage. 

No. 12 At Karol's entrance, mysterious till Karol off, then segue 
into Andante till Vladimir takes fuse in hand, then segue to Russian 
National Anthem for curtain. 

ACT IV. 
No. 13 For rise — Plaintive until cue "Hasty Departure." 
No. 14 Vladimir's entrance Andante till Count Modjeska's entrance. 
No. 15 Cue — When Vladimir takes foils repeat Andante till cue 
"I'm damn glad of it" then segue into Russian National Anthem. 

CURTAIN. 



SCENE PLOT. 



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